Traverse City, Mich. — Authorities are releasing new information following a deadly sequence of events in downtown Traverse City that resulted in the fatal shooting of a city employee and an attempted shooting of law enforcement officers. The incidents, now confirmed to be connected, have led to multiple arrests and an ongoing investigation.
The victim, 32-year-old Lawrence Boyd IV, an employee with the Traverse City Parking Services Department, was found deceased inside the Larry C. Hardy Parking Deck early Sunday morning.
Traverse City Parking Services Employee Lawrence Boyd Found Fatally Shot Inside Larry C. Hardy Parking Deck 300 block of East State Street
Boyd suffered a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene after officers discovered him unresponsive around 7:48 a.m. on November 16.
His name was released with the consent of his family.
Investigators now believe Boyd’s homicide is directly tied to a prior violent encounter with police late Saturday night.
Authorities have identified two individuals currently in custody:
Suspect #1: Eugene Dale Thompson, 17
Charged as an adult
Believed to be the individual who fired the fatal shot that killed Boyd
Facing seven felony charges, including:
Open murder
Attempted homicide of a police officer
Possession of a stolen firearm
Auto larceny
Resisting and obstructing law enforcement
Thompson’s arraignment is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. today.
Suspect #2: 18-Year-Old Male
Name withheld pending formal charging
Arrested in connection with the police chase and stolen firearm
Police have indicated he did not fire the shot that killed Boyd
Arraignment details have not yet been released
Officials also confirmed that a third individual may be connected to earlier vehicle break-ins reported the same night.
No description or identifying information has been released at this time.
The fatal shooting is believed to have occurred shortly before or after an incident around 10:30 p.m. on November 15, when officers attempted to stop two suspects accused of stealing items from a vehicle.
During the pursuit, the 17-year-old suspect allegedly fired multiple rounds at officers.
One round struck a police officer’s pants, though no physical injury occurred.
Both suspects were apprehended shortly thereafter, and investigators later recovered the firearm believed to have been used in both the pursuit and Boyd’s killing.
The parking deck remains closed as detectives from multiple agencies continue processing evidence.
Chief of Police Matt Richmond stated the closure may extend through Monday as the investigation continues.
Interim City Manager Benjamin Marentette issued a formal statement expressing condolences and support:
“This tragedy is heartbreaking. We extend our deepest sympathies and our love to the family of Lawrence Boyd IV, a teammate in our Parking Services Department. I also want to thank the Traverse City Police Department and our partner agencies for their swift response, which prevented further harm. Support services are being made available to all city staff.”
Authorities confirm there is no remaining threat to the public, and the temporary shelter-in-place order issued Saturday evening has been lifted.
The investigation remains active, and additional updates are expected as charging decisions finalize and evidence review continues.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the Traverse City Police Department or submit tips through official reporting channels.
