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.

Comment

TCLP Upgrades EV Charging Stations

Read More >>

City Accelerates Street Marking Work

Read More >>

City Commission to Consider Short-Term Rental Caps

Read More >>

Nurses, Munson Reach Tentative Contract Agreement

Read More >>

Governmental Center Repairs Top County Agenda

Read More >>

MDOT to Finish Three Mile Project This Week Ahead of Schedule

Read More >>

NMC Announces 2026 Fellows

Read More >>

TC Planning Commission Considers Riparian Buffer Ordinance, East Front Properties

Read More >>

What's New at Up North Pride

Read More >>

Learning to Fly: Talking Roots and Wings with Six NMC Aviation Alumni

Read More >>

City Closes on Brown Bridge Quiet Area Expansion

Read More >>

Join Us For a Picnic in the Piazza Recess Wednesday!

Read More >>

TCAPS Fieldhouse Fees At Issue

Read More >>

City to Discuss Boardman/State/Cass, Carnegie Building, Attorney Replacement, Zoning Changes

Read More >>