Police Seize 70 Firearms From Airman Who Threatened To ‘Shoot Up’ Michigan Air National Guard Base

Michigan State Police have arrested a Harrison Township man who threatened to “shoot up” Selfridge Air National Guard Base — and had 70 firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition in his home.

Master Sgt. Roque Eugene Diegel, 53, had worked at the base until recently, police confirmed. He has been charged with one count of false report or threat of terrorism, a 20-year felony.

“The motive behind the threats is currently unknown,” police said in a tweet.

State Police Lt. Calvin Hart said he could not comment on what prompted the alleged threats because of the ongoing investigation.

Diegel is an airman assigned to the 127th Wing, according to a release Tuesday from the Wing's public affairs office.

He is a master sergeant who started working at the base in 2002. He currently works as an air terminal craftsman with the 127th Logistics Readiness Squadron, according to the release.

It also states that officials are cooperating with state and local law enforcement who are investigating the threats to shoot members at the base.

Investigators were made aware of the suspect's threats to “shoot up” the base on Sunday, and shared information with uniform personnel. That led to Diegel's arrest in Harrison Township and a search of his residence.

Inside, investigators recovered the firearms and ammunition.

Diegel was ordered in held in the Macomb County Jail in lieu of a $250,000 bond during an arraignment before Magistrate Ryan Zemke in 41-B District Court in Clinton Township.

If Diegel posts bond and is released from the jail, he is to be on house arrest with a tether, is to be referred to Community Mental Health for an assessment and is to have no contact with the Selfridge base or anyone there, according to the court.

The court also said that he had no criminal history, and no attorney representing him during his arraignment. A probable cause conference is set for Dec. 26 and a preliminary exam is scheduled for Jan. 2, according to the court.

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