Illegal Climber On Mackinac Bridge Being Investigated: Police

MICHIGAN — The Michigan State Police is investigating after photos of a person illegally climbing on the Mackinac Bridge were posted on social media.

Police said the act is illegal and the person could be charged with felony trespassing.

"This matter is being investigated by MSP," Michigan State Police D/Sgt. Gary Demers said. "We will use all of our resources to identify and prosecute this individual."

MBA staff said that once they 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 saw someone leaving the bridge. Local police were called to investigate but the person could not be located.

"This is not a harmless stunt; it's inexcusably reckless," Mackinac Bridge Authority Executive Secretary Kim Nowack said. "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 Director Paul C. Ajegba, a member of the MBA, underscored the need for a thorough examination of security protocols.

"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," Ajegba said. "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."