Kingsley Teen Issued MIP Following Alleged Hotel Assault

An 18-year-old Kingsley teen was issued a minor in possession (MIP) ticket and could face assault charges following an altercation at the Whiting Hotel in the early morning hours Friday.

Traverse City Police responded to the downtown TC hotel at 1:17am Friday on a report that a male suspect was being disorderly inside the hotel. The suspect did not live in the hotel, but had attempted to leave through an emergency door and was stopped by a male resident, who told him he couldn't use that exit. The suspect became combative, took off his shirt and pushed the resident with both hands. When the victim took out a phone to call the police, the suspect slapped the phone out of his hands. Two more male residents came out and attempted to get the suspect to leave. He assaulted both of those individuals as well. The victims - all of whom lived in the hotel and did not suffer any injuries - were 20, 25 and 19 years old. They told police the suspect was wearing a knife on his hip, though he did not brandish the weapon during the confrontation.

Prior to the TCPD's arrival, the suspect left the scene in a white Ford SUV. Officers located the vehicle at West Front Street and Oak Street, but the car took several side streets and alleys until it was soutbound on Division Street. A traffic stop was conducted at Division and Seventh streets. Inside the vehicle was an 18-year-old male driver and two passengers: the suspect and a 20-year-old female. Police confiscated the suspect's knife and issued him an MIP ticket. The department also submitted warrants to the Grand Traverse County Prosecuting Attorney's office requesting charges of a three-count simple assault against the suspect.