OCEANA COUNTY, Mich. — Michigan State Police told FOX 17 News that a man who claimed to have a bomb and threatened a trooper is now dead. This is after an ongoing standoff situation in Oceana County on Saturday.
The scene took place near Nichols and Fruitvale Roads after a man claimed to have a bomb strapped to his body.
Michigan State Police troopers were on scene with the MSP Bomb Squad and the MSP Emergency Support Team.
Troopers from the Hart and Grand Rapids posts are on scene of an individual on the side of the roadway stating to have a bomb strapped to them. Troopers have observed an unknown device with wires attached to it on the person. Troopers are being assisted by the MSP Bomb Squad and… pic.twitter.com/7HNB4GnIpU
— MSP Sixth District (@mspwestmi) May 26, 2024
We're told Hart troopers first responded to reports of a man behaving erratically in the 2000 block of Skeels Road. He then left the home and was found near Skeels and Nichols.
The 44-year-old man reportedly took off into a wooded area when he spotted troopers. He returned carrying what initially appeared to be a "wired device." That was when MSP said he threatened to kill people.
Backup and a bomb squad were called in, and nearby residents were evacuated.
After several hours of negotiations, MSP says "a perceived threat" prompted an Emergency Support Team member to fire a shot at the man, killing him.
The device was later to determined "to be a hoax device," according to MSP.
Michigan State Police told FOX 17 News they do not believe the man had any other weapons on him at the time.
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