Traverse City News and Events

TCPD Seeking Man In Connection To Suspicious Package Left At Downtown Bank

By Beth Milligan | Dec. 30, 2020

The Traverse City Police Department is seeking a man in connection to a suspicious package left at a downtown bank that required a bomb squad to be called in Wednesday, but was later determined to not be explosive.

The TCPD was alerted by bank security to a suspicious package left in the vestibule of the Fifth Third Bank at the corner of Union and Front streets Wednesday evening. The package consisted of two small boxes with two phones on top of them apparently abandoned near the front entrance. The TCPD blocked traffic at several downtown intersections as the case was investigated, with the Michigan State Police Bomb Squad also called in to assist.

According to the TCPD, investigators determined the package was not an explosive device. However, the department is looking to speak with Joseph Michael Horger (pictured), a 32-year-old white male, in connection to the incident. Horger, who the TCPD says is an individual experiencing homelessness, is wanted for questioning related to his activity and is referred to as a person of interest by the department. The TCPD did not release additional details on the case.

Horger previously entered a plea of no contest to an attempted false report of a bomb after being arrested in December 2015 when law enforcement received a tip he was making threats to kill police officers and to bomb the Grand Traverse Mall. Horger later turned himself into officers.

Note: This story has been updated to reflect previous charges filed against Horger.

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