Plymouth man faces multiple felony charges after fake bomb threat at Michigan Music and Racing Festival

A Plymouth man is facing multiple felony charges in Michigan after authorities say he falsely claimed to have placed a bomb near a festival stage following his removal from the event earlier in the day.

Van Buren County Sheriff's deputies responded to a reported bomb threat during the annual Gridlife Festival at Gingerman Raceway on the night of Saturday, June 13th. The Gridlife Midwest Festival, held June 12th through 14th, is a fully immersive event where cars, sound systems, lights, and thousands of attendees share the same space around the clock — making the threat all the more alarming for law enforcement.

According to the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office, 35-year-old Brandon Boswell of Plymouth had been removed from the festival property earlier that day following an interaction involving Michigan State Police troopers and festival staff. Deputies were called back to the venue around 11:30 p.m. after security reported he had returned to the grounds despite being trespassed.

Security personnel detained Boswell before deputies arrived on scene. Investigators say Boswell had allegedly placed a bag near one of the festival's stages in an apparent attempt to cause panic and disruption after being barred from the event. He told authorities he had placed a bomb in the bag.

Deputies searched the bag and found no explosive materials. However, investigators say they later recovered suspected ketamine and LSD. Authorities ultimately determined Boswell did not have the means to carry out an attack and concluded the threat was fabricated to disrupt the festival.

Boswell was arraigned Monday, June 15th, in Van Buren County on multiple felony charges, including false report of a bomb threat, resisting and obstructing police, and controlled substance possession. Court records indicate he has since posted bond. He is scheduled for a probable cause conference on July 1st in the 7th District Court of Van Buren County, Michigan.

The case was first reported by South Bend television stations last week without giving the Plymouth man’s name.

As with all arrests, charges are allegations. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.