Michigan man faces terror charge for dressing car like a bomb

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A Michigan man faces terrorism charges after allegedly disguising his vehicle as a bomb to prevent it from being repossessed.

The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office confirms that 45-year-old Robert Fitz, of Harrison Township, near Detroit, has been arraigned on two charges, one count of false report or threat of terrorism and one count of using explosives with intent to frighten.

The terrorism charge is a 20-year felony. The explosive charge is also a felony that, if convicted, can lead to up to 5 years in prison.

According to the sheriff’s office , deputies were dispatched to a home around 9 a.m. Tuesday for a suspicious situation. Knowing that his car was set to be repossessed, investigators believe Fitz dressed the vehicle like it was rigged with explosives.

Fitz allegedly placed a propane tank in the passenger seat with electrical wire running from the tank’s regulator to the car’s center console. A second tank was fixed to the front wheel on the driver’s side with copper wire running underneath the car. He also allegedly put up several signs telling people not to touch the vehicle because “it would blow up.”

Several nearby homes were evacuated while the Michigan State Police Bomb Squad was called in. It quickly discovered that the apparatus was not actually explosive and the suspect was taken into custody.

Neighbors told WXYZ-TV that they were able to return to their homes after approximately 90 minutes.

Fitz was arraigned on Wednesday and awarded a $50,000 cash surety bond.

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