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Michigan state Rep. Neil Friske arrested, jailed in Lansing

State Rep. Neil Friske talking to other lawmakers
State Rep. Neil Friske, one of the most conservative members of the Michigan Legislature, was arrested Wednesday night. (Michigan House Republicans)
  • Michigan state Rep. Neil Friske arrested in Lansing
  • Police say arrest followed “a report of a male with a gun, as well as possible shots that were fired”
  • The Charlevoix Republican is a member of House Freedom Caucus

Michigan state Rep. Neil Friske, R-Charlevoix, was arrested in Lansing early Thursday morning and was being held in a city jail while police continued to investigate an incident that involved a firearm. 

Friske was arrested on the 2000 block of Windbreak Lane before 3:00 a.m., Lansing Police Department spokesperson Jordan Gulkis confirmed in a statement to Bridge. He owns a home there, according to property records. 

Gulkis said officers responded to “a report of a male with a gun, as well as possible shots that were fired.” Officers made contact, and Friske was arrested for a possible “felony-level offense,” she said. 

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As of Thursday afternoon, Lansing police were still investigating and expected to present the case to the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office for possible charges on Friday, Gulkis added. He’d likely be arraigned Friday or Saturday if charges are authorized.

Friske is one of the most conservative members of the legislature. He belongs to the chamber’s Freedom Caucus, which is notable for voting against nearly every piece of legislation that comes before them in the Democratic-led Legislature.

Friske is currently running for re-election but faces a primary challenge from fellow Republican Parker Fairbairn, a Harbor Springs small business owner.

Friske's campaign, in a statement, said it did not have any details on the arrest but noted the lawmaker "is always exercising his 2nd Amendment right."

House Speaker Joe Tate, D-Detroit, said Thursday morning that he was “informed briefly” about Friske’s arrest but had not yet had any conversations with Republican leaders about the situation.

“We're seeing what Lansing (police) will be doing with their process,” Tate said.

A spokesperson for House Minority Leader Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

Friske runs a property management firm. He's also worked on his family farm, Friske Orchards, which was founded by his father Richard Friske, who also served in the state House for a single term in 1970.

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