Stellantis Employee in Custody After Barricade Standoff at Sterling Heights Plant

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – The employee was taken into custody Saturday after barricading himself inside the automaker’s Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, prompting an evacuation and a nearly four-hour standoff with police.

What Happened?

According to the Sterling Heights Police Department, the incident began around 4 p.m. on July 12 when the employee barricaded himself on the second floor of the plant along Van Dyke Avenue.

• The facility was evacuated, and workers on shift were sent home.
• Police established a perimeter as crisis negotiators and a Special Response Team attempted to communicate with the man.
• Authorities initially reported that the suspect may have been armed and was uncooperative.

After nearly four hours, the man surrendered peacefully and was taken into custody. A weapon was recovered, though police have not released further details on the type of firearm or the suspect’s identity.

Ongoing Investigation

Acting Deputy Chief David Allen stated that the motive behind the incident remains unclear.

“We just know there was someone possibly in possession of a gun and did not want to have conversations with anybody at that point,” Allen said at the scene.

The Sterling Heights Police Department continues to investigate the incident. No injuries were reported.

About the Stellantis Sterling Heights Assembly Plant

The Stellantis Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) is a key production facility for the automaker, manufacturing popular models like the Ram 1500. The plant employs thousands of workers and is a major hub for Stellantis’ North American operations.

What’s Next?

• Police will determine whether the employee faces criminal charges.
• Stellantis has not yet issued an official statement on the incident.
• Authorities are reviewing security protocols at the plant.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.