Michigan State Police EST Stop Terrorist Threat
November 2, 2021
GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, MI. Late last night the Michigan State Police (MSP) Operations Center in Lansing received information about a posting on Facebook concerning a mass shooting. Facebook alerted the MSP Operations Center and shared a video posted on social media of a man making threats towards downtown Traverse City.
A suspect was quickly identified, and local law enforcement agencies were made aware of the situation and helped coordinate efforts with the MSP to maintain public safety.
The suspect, a 24-year-old Traverse City man, had previous encounters with police and is known to exhibit anti-police behavior. The Grand Traverse County Prosecutor’s Office was contacted, and an arrest warrant was authorized for one count of False Report or Threat of Terrorism.
Due to the nature of the threat, the MSP Emergency Support Team was activated to make the arrest and secure the scene for the execution of a search warrant. The search warrant was conducted this morning at a residence on Gladewood Lane in Traverse City. The suspect surrendered after a brief standoff with the MSP EST.
During a search of the home, troopers recovered a loaded AR-15 rifle and a tactical vest with rifle trauma plates. The suspect was lodged in the Grand Traverse County Jail where he is awaiting arraignment.
The MSP was assisted by deputies from the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Traverse City Police Department.
Update via MSP 4:21PM 3 Nov 2021:
The suspect, 24-year-old Andrew Jonathan Nickels from Traverse City, was arraigned this afternoon in the 86th District Court in Grand Traverse County on one count False Report or Threat of Terrorism, a 20-year felony and/or $20,000; reimburse government for expenses incurred from violation. He was given a $100,000 cash surety bond. His next scheduled court appearance is on November 17, 2021, at 9:00 a.m.
Grand Traverse County: The MSP Emergency Support Team are at a residence on Glade Wood Lane in Garfield Township conducting a search warrant. Please avoid the area. There is no danger to the public. pic.twitter.com/A0ziUxXetr
— @MSPNorthernMI (@mspnorthernmi) November 2, 2021