SAGINAW, MI — Saginaw Man Charged After Allegedly Threatening Mass Shooting at Medical Office
The Saginaw community is reeling after a local man was arrested and charged with making a chilling threat to carry out a mass shooting at a medical facility, allegedly in an attempt to control and intimidate his estranged wife. The disturbing incident has prompted a swift response from law enforcement and raised new concerns about domestic violence escalating into public safety threats.
According to officials, 47-year-old Kenneth J. Combs of Saginaw was arrested on Thursday, June 5, after allegedly sending a threatening text message to his estranged wife. In the message, Combs stated he intended to arrive at her workplace — the Great Lakes Bay Health Centers’ Roosevelt S. Ruffin building, located at 229 Gallagher Road — and carry out a mass shooting.
The targeted facility is a busy medical center that serves countless residents in the Saginaw area, providing essential healthcare services including family medicine, behavioral health, and preventive care. At the time of the threat, the building was occupied by staff and patients, making the nature of the threat particularly alarming.
Court documents reveal that Combs explicitly referenced his intent to use firearms and commit an act of mass violence, with language that investigators described as “clear and credible.” The threat, sent via text message, reportedly followed a pattern of harassment and controlling behavior toward his estranged wife, who immediately contacted law enforcement upon receiving it.
Thanks to her quick action and the coordinated response from multiple agencies, Combs was located and apprehended before he could attempt to follow through. Authorities have not disclosed whether any weapons were recovered during his arrest, but emphasized that a potentially catastrophic event was likely prevented due to the prompt intervention.
Saginaw Police Department Chief Robert Ruth issued a statement commending the woman for coming forward and the swift work of investigators:
“This could have ended in unimaginable tragedy. The courage of the individual who reported the threat and the speed of the response by our officers ensured that no one was harmed. We take all threats of mass violence with the utmost seriousness.”
Kenneth J. Combs has been formally charged with making a terrorist threat, a felony under Michigan law that carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Prosecutors have indicated they may pursue additional charges, depending on the outcome of the investigation and any evidence recovered, including potential weapons or related communications.
Combs was arraigned in Saginaw County District Court and is currently being held at the Saginaw County Jail. The judge presiding over the case denied bond, citing the serious nature of the charges and the danger Combs may pose to the community and his estranged spouse.
A probable cause conference has been scheduled for later this month, and a preliminary exam is expected to follow. Combs has not entered a plea at this time.
The staff and administration at Great Lakes Bay Health Centers expressed shock and deep concern at the incident. In a public statement, the health center acknowledged the gravity of the situation and reassured patients and employees that they are working closely with law enforcement to maintain safety and security.
“We are devastated that one of our facilities was the target of such a threat. The safety of our staff and patients is our highest priority. We are grateful for the quick response from local law enforcement and for the courage shown by our colleague who came forward,” the statement read.
In response to the incident, the health center has increased on-site security and is offering counseling services to employees who may be traumatized by the threat.
This incident underscores the growing concern about domestic violence spilling into public arenas and endangering innocent lives. Experts say that threats of mass violence, especially when connected to intimate partner abuse, are increasingly common and extremely dangerous.
Dr. Marla Jensen, a clinical psychologist who specializes in trauma and domestic abuse, commented:
“Threats of violence — particularly in the form of mass shootings — are used as extreme tools of control by abusers. These are not empty threats. When victims speak up, as this brave woman did, lives are saved.”
Advocates are urging community members to recognize the signs of escalating domestic violence and take any threats seriously. Local organizations such as the Underground Railroad, Inc., a domestic violence shelter and support group in Saginaw, are encouraging those in abusive relationships to seek help before situations become life-threatening.
While no one was physically harmed in this case, the emotional toll on the medical staff, patients, and especially the victim, is significant. City officials are praising the courage and quick thinking that prevented what could have been a major tragedy.
Mayor Brenda Moore issued a public statement thanking the Saginaw Police Department:
“This was a close call. Thanks to swift action and strong community partnerships, we avoided a terrible loss of life. Let this serve as a reminder that we must all remain vigilant — and that help is available for those living in fear.”
As the investigation continues, law enforcement is urging anyone who receives threats of violence to report them immediately. They have reiterated that no threat is too small to take seriously — particularly when lives may be at stake.
If You or Someone You Know Is in Danger
- Call 911 if there is immediate danger.
- Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
- In Saginaw, local support is available through Underground Railroad, Inc., at (989) 755-0411.
This incident serves as a chilling reminder of the deadly intersections between domestic abuse and public violence. Thanks to the strength of one woman and the decisive action of police, a potential tragedy was narrowly averted — and a community has been reminded of the urgent need to address threats before it’s too late.