City Addresses Parking Garage Security Following Shooting

Following a tragic weekend incident in which a Traverse City Parking Services employee was killed at the Larry C. Hardy Parking Deck, Interim City Manager Benjamin Marentette has responded to questions about security measures for staff at the garage.

Lawrence Boyd IV, 32, was killed in a shooting that authorities believe occurred Saturday at the parking deck. The TCPD was dispatched to the State Street parking deck at 7:48am Sunday in response to the discovery of his body. Evidence gathered at the scene indicated the homicide was connected to two teenage suspects, both from Traverse City, who were arrested following another Saturday night incident in which they allegedly stole from a vehicle and ran from and shot at police. 

In response to questions from The Ticker, Marentette confirmed security cameras are present at the Hardy parking deck. "As for other security measures, I must decline, as I have with other media outlets, on disclosing them as it could compromise our security efforts," he said by email.

Marentette continued: "We are still reeling from the shock of this terrible tragedy. As is the case whenever there are incidents like this, we will be examining, carefully, what additional protocols or measures could be implemented going forward. Additionally, I must note that our Police Department has an active investigation underway which also limits my ability to comment."

According to Marentette, parking garage employees have access to a department-issued mobile phone. Employees are not allowed access to their personal mobile phones when within the office itself, he said. However, "when they are on foot to walk through the facility (for) inspection-like purposes or when leaving the office space itself, they have access to their personal mobile phones."

The identities of the teenage suspects have not yet been released pending arraignment. Grand Traverse County Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg tells The Ticker the suspects are set to be arraigned Tuesday at 1:30pm.