Harbor Springs Police Press Release on the Events of January 25th

On Monday, January 25, 2021 at 2:36PM the Harbor Springs Police Department received a phone call from a male subject stating he had placed a bomb near the Christmas Tree in downtown Harbor Springs.  This individual also stated he was heavily armed.  Officers responded to the area to secure downtown Harbor Springs while attempting to locate a suspect.  The entire downtown area was blocked off while officers at the Police Department continued a dialogue with the caller.  Due to the time of the call the Harbor Springs Public Schools were contacted and advised to shelter in place and not release the students.

Based on information gathered by the police officers it was determined that the suspect may be using a live stream video of the downtown area to provide details of his potential threat. In attempt to further secure the area the Emmet County Sheriffs’ Office and the Michigan State Police provided officers to assist with traffic control and surveillance.  The Michigan State Police Bomb Squad was requested and arrived shortly thereafter.

Once the Michigan State Police Bomb Squad arrived with the use of an armored vehicle they examined the downtown area and did not locate any potential threat.  A physical search was also conducted to no avail with a bomb detection canine, a drone, and police officers.  At this time the shelter in place was released as officers continued to patrol the downtown area.  The students were released from school at 4:15PM with the assistance of many police officers to assure their safety. 

The Harbor Springs Police Department Chief Kyle Knight is grateful for the assistance from the Petoskey Department of Public Safety, the Emmet County Sheriffs’ Office, the Michigan State Police, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Little Traverse Bay Bands Tribal Police Department, the Harbor Springs Area Fire Department, Emmet County Emergency Management, Emmet County EMS, CCE Central Dispatch Authority, the Harbor Springs Department of Public Works, and the many citizens who had patience and provided assistance.

This incident is still under investigation by the Harbor Springs Police Department, the Michigan State Police, and the Emmet County Sheriffs’ Office. At the current time the threat is unfounded, though the safety of our residents and visitors is paramount.  If you have any information or questions, please call the Harbor Springs Police Department at 231-526-6211.

Authority,

Chief Kyle Knight