MSP Eighth District

MSP public information for the Upper Peninsula.

[MSP Eighth District @MSPEighthDist]

Houghton County, Michigan. The Michigan State Police (MSP) Calumet Post is investigating a fatal drowning that occurred in Hancock Township.

On June 3, 2026, at approximately 9:30 a.m., troopers were dispatched to a report of a deceased individual in the waters of Lake Superior near McLain State Park and the breakwall leading to the Keweenaw Waterway Upper Entrance Lighthouse.

The body of a 57-year-old man from Hancock was subsequently located by divers from the Houghton County Sheriff’s Office. Following positive identification, the family was notified. The preliminary investigation indicates that this was an accidental drowning that occurred earlier in the morning on June 3, 2026. No foul play is suspected. However, the investigation remains ongoing.

MSP was assisted by the Houghton County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Coast Guard, and Mercy EMS.

[MSP Eighth District @MSPEighthDist]

Temporary Road Closure Update: US-41 through Negaunee has been reopened.

[MSP Eighth District @MSPEighthDist]

Marquette County, Michigan. There is an increased police presence in the area of the Krist gas station on US-41 in Negaunee as Michigan State Police (MSP) personnel, along with assisting law enforcement agencies, complete an investigation. There is no current danger to the public. Assisting fire departments remain on scene as final fire extinguishment efforts wrap up.

This evening, June 2, 2026, according to preliminary information, an alleged shooting was reported in the City of Marquette. The incident is actively being investigated by the Marquette Police Department. Details regarding the shooting remain under investigation; however, a suspect description was issued to local law enforcement agencies requesting assistance in locating an individual who reportedly fled the scene.

The suspect was quickly located driving a vehicle by an on-duty MSP trooper and sergeant from the Negaunee Post. Both MSP members were operating fully marked patrol vehicles when they attempted to stop the suspect, but the suspect fled.

A vehicle pursuit ensued, resulting in the suspect crashing into the fuel pumps at the Krist gas station, located at 341 US-41, Negaunee, MI 49866. The crash ended the pursuit; however, it also caused a large fire at the gas station. Troopers were able to safely take the suspect into custody. No members of the public or law enforcement personnel were injured in the crash or the subsequent fire. The suspect is being evaluated for reported minor injuries.

Following medical clearance, the adult male suspect will be lodged in the Marquette County Jail on multiple felony charges. Pending arraignment, the suspect's name is not being released. MSP will continue to partner with the Marquette Police Department and the Marquette County Prosecutor's Office as the investigations continue.

US-41 between Baldwin Avenue and Teal Lake Avenue remains closed to traffic while the investigation is completed. MSP asks the public to avoid the area while the fire is finished being put out and subsequent investigative efforts take place. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

[MSP Eighth District @MSPEighthDist]

Michigan DNR burn restrictions website here: https://t.co/O1ZWYyispo

DNR fire safety and prevention tips located here: https://t.co/gVYlBReri4

[MSP Eighth District @MSPEighthDist]

Conditions are very dry across the U.P. right now. There is currently a U.P. wide burn ban in effect, so please avoid burning for now.

Troopers from the Sault Ste Marie Post responded to two fires yesterday.

Yesterday on June 1, 2026, troopers observed black smoke coming from the area of M-129 near E. M-48. Upon arrival, flames were found spreading from farm equipment into a nearby field. The fire was determined to have been caused by an individual who left a fire unattended during an active burn ban. A man was issued a citation for illegal burning without a permit during a burn ban.

Troopers and local EMS personnel assisted Pickford Township Fire Department with fire suppression efforts.

While crews were still on scene in Pickford, a second fire broke out at the DPW compost site in Kinross. Responding agencies included the Sault Tribe Police Department, Michigan State Police, Chippewa County Sheriff's Office, Rudyard Township Fire Department, Kinross Fire Department, Pickford Fire Department, local EMS, and Michigan DNR Fire personnel.

All agencies worked together to contain and suppress the fire. After approximately two hours of continuous firefighting efforts, the fire was brought under control and reduced to a smolder. This fire was determined to have ignited spontaneously, so no enforcement action was taken.

[MSP Eighth District @MSPEighthDist]

Congratulations F/Lt Shaw and thank you for your service! Enjoy your well-earned retirement!

[Michigan State Police @MichStatePolice]

Today, we celebrate F/Lt. Mike Shaw of the Communications and Outreach Division who is retiring after 31 years of service!

For the past 13 years, F/Lieutenant Shaw served as the Public Information Officer for the MSP Second District and ran the @mspmetrodet account.

Congratulations, Mike, on a well-earned retirement and thank you for your service!

[MSP Eighth District @MSPEighthDist]

Mackinac County, Michigan. The Michigan State Police (MSP) Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is announcing the arrest of Jaxon Massaway, 19 of Saint Ignace, for possession of child sexually abusive material and using a computer to commit a crime.

Massaway was arrested following an investigation which was initiated when it was learned that he was receiving child sexually abusive material online. A search of his residence resulted in digital evidence being seized.

Massaway was charged with three counts of possession of child sexually abusive material – aggravated and two counts of using a computer to commit a crime. Massaway was arraigned in the 92nd District Court of Mackinac County on Tuesday, May 26.

If convicted, Massaway faces up to ten years in prison for each count of possession of child sexually abusive material – aggravated, and up to ten years in prison for using a computer to commit a crime. The subject is considered innocent unless proven guilty.

The MSP Computer Crimes Unit encourages parents to speak to their children about the safe use of the internet. There are many resources available to parents to assist in keeping children safe online. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children provides a comprehensive list of resources on their website at https://t.co/pa45e96Asa.

The Michigan ICAC Task Force also provides resources at https://t.co/rvy7T3Yy8t. If you have information regarding possible child sexual exploitation, report it to the CyberTipline at https://t.co/oZevxqqxqC.

[MSP Eighth District @MSPEighthDist]

Schoolcraft County, Michigan. A 39-year-old man from Manistique has been located deceased, which was the cause of the temporary closure of the Manistique East Breakwater Lighthouse and nearby areas yesterday, May 27, 2026. The preliminary investigation indicates no signs of foul play; however, the investigation is ongoing.

On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, a subject called the Michigan State Police (MSP) Manistique Outpost requesting troopers open a missing person investigation. There were no apparent signs of suspicious circumstances, and it was unclear where the 39-year-old man may have gone or why he was missing. Troopers attempted to locate the subject, however, were initially unsuccessful.

On May 27, 2026, troopers searched the area of the lighthouse and nearby park. They located property items which were confirmed to have belonged to the missing man. The MSP Marine Services Team was contacted and responded to search the nearby water. After searching late into the night on May 27, 2026, MSP divers located the missing man deceased in the water.

The deceased’s next of kin was notified. The preliminary investigation indicates there were no signs of foul play, however, the investigation is ongoing. MSP Manistique troopers were assisted by the MSP Marine Services Team, Manistique Public Safety Department, MSP Eighth District Detective Bureau, and MSP Negaunee Regional Communications Center.

[MSP Eighth District @MSPEighthDist]

Manistique, Michigan. There is an increased police presence around the Manistique East Breakwater Lighthouse and nearby Lakeview Park. Currently, there is no known danger to the public. However, we ask that residents and visitors temporarily avoid this area while troopers and assisting personnel are on scene. Additional information will be posted here as it becomes available.

[MSP Eighth District @MSPEighthDist]

The Michigan State Police (MSP) Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is announcing the sentencing of Brent Edward Mayer, 36 of Bruce Crossing, for possession of child sexually abusive material - aggravated, child sexually abusive activity - aggravated, and using a computer to commit a crime.

Mayer was arrested following an investigation which was initiated when it was learned that Mayer was viewing files of child sexually abusive material on the internet. A search of his residence resulted in digital evidence being seized.

Mayer was charged with seven counts of child sexually abusive material – aggravated possession, one count of child sexually abusive activity – aggravated, and eight counts of using a computer to commit a crime. Mayer was additionally served with a habitual offender – 2nd offense notice, which may increase his penalties if convicted. Mayer was arraigned in the 98th District Court of Ontonagon on May 12, 2025.

Mayer was convicted of all 16 felony counts on Thursday, April 9, 2026, following a trial by jury in the 32nd Circuit Court of Ontonagon County. The habitual offender – 2ndoffense notice increased his penalties following his conviction. Mayer was sentenced on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, as follows:

For the seven counts of child sexually abusive material – aggravated possession, Mayer was sentenced to serve 10-15 years prison incarceration. For the one count of child sexually abusive activity – aggravated, Mayer was sentenced to serve 11-35.5 years prison incarceration. These eight convictions are to run concurrently.

For the seven counts of using a computer to commit a crime involving child sexually abusive material – aggravated possession, Mayer was sentenced to serve 10-15 years prison incarceration. For the one count of using a computer to commit a crime involving child sexually abusive activity – aggravated, Mayer was sentenced to serve 11-30 years prison incarceration. These sentences involving the use of a computer to commit a crime were ordered to be served consecutively to those involving child sexually abusive activity.

In all, Mayer was sentenced to a minimum of 22 years and a maximum of 37.5 years prison incarceration with the Michigan Department of Corrections, with credit for zero days previously served.

[MSP Eighth District @MSPEighthDist]

Ontonagon County, MI. The Michigan State Police (MSP) Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is announcing the arrest of 35-year-old Brent Edward Mayer. Mayer was arrested following an investigation which was initiated by the Michigan Department of Corrections and the ICAC Task Force, when it was learned Mayer may have accessed illicit content on the internet. A search of his residence resulted in digital evidence being seized.

Mayer was charged with seven counts of Child Sexually Abusive Material- Aggravated Possession, one count of Child Sexually Abusive Activity- Aggravated, and eight counts of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime. Mayer was additionally served with Habitual Offender – 2nd Offense Notice, which may increase his penalties if convicted. Mayer was arraigned in the 98th District Court of Ontonagon on Monday, May 12. His bond was set at $50,000. His Probable Cause Conference is set for July 7th at 1:30 pm. The defendant is considered innocent unless proven guilty.

The MSP Computer Crimes Unit encourages parents to speak to their children and family members about safe use of the internet. There are many resources available to assist in keeping people safe online. The Michigan ICAC Task Force provides a comprehensive list of resources on their website at https://t.co/SRtHw3zyUe. If you have information regarding possible child sexual exploitation, report it to the CyberTipline at https://t.co/ZpTr91XTwH.

[MSP First District @MSPFirstDist]

On this Memorial Day and every other day we honor those who have given their lives for this country and our freedoms. Take time today to think of those that are no longer with us.

[MSP Eighth District @MSPEighthDist]

Congratulations to Tpr. Landon Strzelewicz on graduating today from the 150th Trooper Recruit School and being assigned to the Calumet Post!

Tpr. Strzelewicz also earned the Academic Achievement Award with an outstanding 95.61% scholastic average.

[MSP Eighth District @MSPEighthDist]

Please join us in welcoming Tpr. Andrew Kitz to the Wakefield Post! He graduated today from the 150th Trooper Recruit School and will soon begin serving the great people of Gogebic and Ontonagon Counties. Congratulations!

[MSP Eighth District @MSPEighthDist]

Congratulations to Tpr. Brodie Fogus on graduating today from the 150th Trooper Recruit School! Originally from Whitehall, Michigan, Tpr. Fogus is heading north to serve at the St. Ignace Post. Welcome to the Upper Peninsula, Sir!

[MSP Eighth District @MSPEighthDist]

Congratulations to Tpr. Tucker Havel on graduating today from the 150th Trooper Recruit School! Tpr. Havel attended Northern Michigan University and worked as a MSP Cadet before now becoming a trooper. He has been assigned to the Negaunee Post.

[Michigan State Police @MichStatePolice]

Please join us in welcoming the newest 61 state troopers and one motor carrier officer who graduated this afternoon from the 150th Trooper Recruit School and the 28th Motor Carrier Officer Recruit School!

News release: https://t.co/lFldORoSnk

[MSP Eighth District @MSPEighthDist]

Always remember to Buckle Up!

[Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning @MIOHSP]

In a perfect world, you wouldn’t need a seat belt. But with more than a thousand traffic deaths last year in Michigan, it’s easy to see it’s not a perfect world. Buckle up to reduce your risk of death in a crash by 45% or more — and avoid a ticket. Seat belt enforcement is happening now.
Video: https://t.co/Ro2caVZKla
Learn more at https://t.co/Xqhfk8wdsl

[MSP Eighth District @MSPEighthDist]

Gogebic County, Michigan. The Michigan State Police (MSP) Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is announcing the arrest of George Hilty, 41 of Wakefield, for aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material.

Hilty was arrested following an investigation which was initiated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the ICAC Task Force when it was learned that Hilty may have accessed and shared illicit content on the internet. A search of his residence resulted in digital evidence being seized.

Hilty was charged with three counts of child sexually abusive material (aggravated possession). Hilty was arraigned in the 98th District Court of Gogebic County on Thursday, May 14. The subject is considered innocent unless proven guilty.

The MSP Computer Crimes Unit encourages parents to speak to their children and family members about safe use of the internet. There are many resources available to assist in keeping children safe online. The NCMEC provides a comprehensive list of resources on their website at https://t.co/pa45e962CC. The Michigan ICAC Task Force provides resources at https://t.co/rvy7T3Y0iV.

If you have information regarding possible child sexual exploitation, report it to the CyberTipline at https://t.co/oZevxqpZB4.

[MSP Eighth District @MSPEighthDist]

Today, the Upper Peninsula Peace Officer’s Memorial was held in Negaunee to honor fallen law enforcement officers and their families. The ceremony included a motorcade, music by Negaunee High School students, and more. Thank you to all who helped make today's service possible.

[MSP Eighth District @MSPEighthDist]

Michigan State Police Iron Mountain Post 🇺🇸 💙