'Not a harmless stunt': State Police investigating after photos show man atop the Mackinac Bridge

(WWJ) Michigan State Police are investigating an alleged "case of felony trespassing" on the Mackinac Bridge -- after photos of the incident were posted to social media.

"This is not a harmless stunt; it's inexcusably reckless," said Mackinac Bridge Authority Executive Secretary Kim Nowack. "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 (MBA) staff had a rescue been needed."

After MBA staff became aware of the social media photos -- 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 spotted someone leaving the bridge. Local police were called, but they weren't able to locate the suspect.

While aurhotiies have not named any suspects, they may be looking for the same person seen in a viral photo atop the Ambassador Bridge a month or so prior.

One in a series of photos tweeted by photographer @DrifterShoots on Nov. 26 shows a man climbing a bridge that looks suspiciously like the Mighty Mac.

And tweets appear to confirm that suspicion.

"Is that the Mackinac Bridge?" a follower asks, to which "Drift" replies, "It is my friend."

"Is there a major bridge in the states that you haven't been to the top of?" the follower responds. Drift answers: "Plenty. But maybe one day I’ll top them all."

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Whomever it was, MSP Det. Sgt. Gary Demers at the St. Ignace Post said the person responsible could be facing felony charges of trespassing at a key transportation facility, section 750.552c of the Michigan Penal Code.

"This matter is being investigated by MSP," said Demers. "We will use all of our resources to identify and prosecute this individual."

Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Director Paul Ajegba, a member of the MBA, underscored the need for a thorough examination of security protocols following the incident.

"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."

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