(WWJ) — A 74-year-old man is behind bars after a case of squatting at a Northern Michigan cabin led to the discovery of an extensive domestic abuse case and the suspect trying to break into a morgue while impersonating police.
John Bromley was arrested during a traffic stop in Oakland County last month and he was brought back to Otsego County, where he remains jailed on charges of aggravated domestic violence and first-degree vulnerable adult abuse.
The investigation began last June when Michigan State Police troopers from the Gaylord post were called to investigate two people suspected of squatting in a cabin in Otsego County.
Troopers spoke to Bromley and his 68-year-old wife and learned the couple were homeless and did not have permission to be there.
While speaking with Bromley’s wife, troopers noticed she had extensive bruising and difficulty breathing. Police called for an ambulance and she was rushed to Otsego Memorial Hospital. Due to the severity of her injuries she was then transferred to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.
While she was in the hospital the woman told troopers from the MSP Traverse City Post about a history of domestic abuse.
She died a few days after being admitted to the hospital, according to MSP.
After her death, Bromley allegedly tried to get into the morgue by impersonating a trooper, but he was not allowed access.
A lengthy investigation followed and the results of an autopsy were turned over to the Otsego County Prosecutor’s Office, which issued an arrest warrant last month.
The outstanding warrant was entered in the Law Enforcement Information Network and Bromley was arrested during a traffic stop for speeding in Oakland County. MSP officials did not say exactly when or where Bromley was stopped.
Bromley was brought back to Otsego County and lodged in the Otsego County Jail on Sunday, Feb. 9. He was arraigned this week in the 87-A District Court and remains held on a $50,000 cash/surety bond.
MSP officials say Bromley is also facing separate charges in Grand Traverse County for impersonating a police officer.
Officials did not release any information about Bromley’s next court date.
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