John Henry Lind Arrested After July 4 Joy Ride On Military Tank With Replica Machine Gun

An enthusiastic July 4 celebration got out of hand in Shelby Township, Mich., when one man drove around in his military tank while someone fired blasts from a modified machine gun, sparking panic in his neighborhood.

John Henry Lind, a 49-year-old veteran, was arrested by authorities shortly after his 11 p.m. Fourth of July ride, when the noisy display led to a flood of 911 calls. Officers reportedly took Lind into custody with their weapons drawn, believing that there might be an act of terrorism taking place.

Lind is well-known on his block for his military vehicles. Neighbors told WDIV that they thought his arrest was severe, though others may not have been aware of his antics. Lind has denied pulling the trigger on the replica 50-caliber machine gun mounted to his tank, which actually fires compressed air, along with bright flashes and realistic noises.

"[He] did a very stupid act," Shelby Township's Police Chief Roland Woelkers said, according to the Daily Tribune of Michigan. Woelkers said that while the modified machine gun mounted on top of the vehicle wasn't firing live rounds, the realistic show led to "pandemonium."

Woelkers told reporters that Lind's actions could lead to "serious consequences." As of Friday, he was in custody on a $100,000 cash or surety bond. Prosecutors were expected to review the case on Monday, according to WXYZ, but initial reports suggested the display could lead to multiple misdemeanor and felony charges.

Police are reportedly still searching for the two passengers that were in Lind's vehicle.