LANSING (WWJ) - A Michigan State Representative could be facing charges after police conducted an investigation into reports of a man with a gun in Lansing Thursday morning.
Police officers responded to the 2100 block of Forest Road around 2:45 a.m. on June 20. They were called for a report of a man with a gun, “as well as possible shots that were fired,” according to the Lansing Police Department.
Officers learned during the initial investigation that a possible sexual assault of a woman may have occurred. Kornelius Friske, a 62-year-old Republican, was arrested following the investigation, authorities said.
The Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office said they received a warrant request from the Lansing Police Department on June 21. The Prosecutor’s Office asked the investigation to continue after reviewing the evidence that was gathered.
“Our office will continue to work in coordination with law enforcement on this matter,” the Prosecutor’s Office said.
According to an article from the Detroit Free Press, a search using the Internet Criminal History Access Tool, which is the Michigan State Police criminal background service available online, “police requested felony charges of sexual assault, assault, and a weapons-related offense against state Rep. Neil Friske, R-Charlevoix.”
The Free Press article said Friske hadn’t been arraigned nor was there word what charges he would be facing, though he could be arraigned Friday or Saturday.
A post on Friske’s Facebook page, signed by “Team Friske,” said they were not aware of the arrest or investigation until after the media began reporting it. The campaign team said the timing of the arrest was “highly suspect,” and thanked people for their concern and support.
Officials say Friske was in the process of being released at 11:30 a.m. on Friday.