It’s one thing to be bold enough to climb the towers and cables of the Mackinac Bridge, which is illegal. It’s another to be bold enough to share your photos on social media to brag about your conquest.
Michigan State Police are investigating a case of felony trespassing on the Mackinac Bridge, discovered after photos of the incident were posted on social media.
Mackinac Bridge Authority Executive Secretary Kim Nowack warns, “This is not a harmless stunt; it’s inexcusably reckless,” adding, “This individual risked not only his own life but also the lives of those crossing the bridge beneath him, and would have threatened the safety of emergency personnel and Mackinac Bridge Authority staff had a rescue been needed.”
Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Director Paul C. Ajegba, a member of the bridge authority, underscored the need for a thorough examination of security protocols, saying, “It is very troubling that someone would put their own life at risk not to mention that of others just for photos and thrills on our state’s signature bridge.” He adds, “While the Michigan State Police continue their investigation, I have also asked the MDOT employees at the bridge to conduct a thorough review and implement measures to prevent future incursions.”
Michigan State Police Detective/Sgt. Gary Demers at the St. Ignace Post says the person responsible could be facing felony charges of trespassing at a key transportation facility, section 750.552c of the Michigan Penal Code.
Demers tells us, “This matter is being investigated by the Michigan State Police,” and adds, “We will use all of our resources to identify and prosecute this individual.”
After Mackinac Bridge Authority staff became aware of photos posted on social media, apparently shot from the top of one of the bridge towers, they reviewed an incident where an alarm was activated on the bridge early one morning in early November. Though staff investigated the alarm, they could not immediately determine how it was activated. When another alarm was activated several hours later, they observed someone leaving the bridge. Local police were called to investigate but the person could not be located at that time.
