Chelsea Middle alleged gunman released on bond

The man who allegedly held five female students at gunpoint in the Chelsea Middle School locker room earlier this year has been released on bond.

According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office website, Ryan Michael Sims, 21, posted bond on June 6, approximately one month after it had been reduced.

Sims' attorneys at Sheffield & Lentine PC declined comment, but the company’s website reports the attorneys requested a bond reduction for Sims on May 8. At that time, Sims’ bail was more than $5 million. It was reduced to $515,000 on the same five charges of kidnapping first degree and one charge of making terrorist threats.

Sims was arrested and placed in the Shelby County Jail following his alleged use of a firearm to hold five Chelsea Middle students against their will. Sheriff Chris Curry said Principal William Harper and a Sheriff’s deputy assigned to the school for security purposes diffused the situation. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.