Police investigate illegal Mackinac Bridge climb after photos appear on social media

Michigan State Police is investigating after it is believed an individual climbed one of the Mackinac Bridge towers in early November.

A news release issued today by the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) reports that officials became aware of the incident after photos, which appear to be captured from the top of one of the bridge towers, were posted to social media.

"After MBA staff became aware of photos posted on social media... they reviewed an incident where an alarm was activated on the bridge early one morning in early November," the release states. "Though staff investigated the alarm, they could not immediately determine how it was activated. When another alarm was activated several hours later, they observed someone leaving the bridge."

"This is not a harmless stunt; it's inexcusably reckless," MBA executive secretary Kim Nowack said in the release. "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 staff had a rescue been needed."

"While the Michigan State Police continue their investigation, I have also asked the MDOT (Michigan Department of Transportation) employees at the bridge to conduct a thorough review and implement measures to prevent future incursions," said MDOT director Paul C. Ajegba.

The individual responsible could face felony trespassing charges.