Crime
Eugene Thompson and Hunter Vanderwall Arrested After Traverse City Parking Services Employee Lawrence Boyd Found Fatally Shot Inside Larry C Hardy Parking Deck
Traverse City, Mich. — Authorities are releasing new information following a deadly sequence of events in downtown Traverse City that resulted in the fatal shooting of a city employee and an attempted shooting of law enforcement officers. The incidents, now confirmed to be connected, have led to multiple arrests and an ongoing investigation.
The victim, 32-year-old Lawrence Boyd IV, an employee with the Traverse City Parking Services Department, was found deceased inside the Larry C. Hardy Parking Deck early Sunday morning.
Boyd suffered a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene after officers discovered him unresponsive around 7:48 a.m. on November 16.
His name was released with the consent of his family.
Investigators now believe Boyd’s homicide is directly tied to a prior violent encounter with police late Saturday night.
Authorities have identified two individuals currently in custody:
Suspect #1: Eugene Dale Thompson, 17
- Charged as an adult
- Believed to be the individual who fired the fatal shot that killed Boyd
- Facing seven felony charges, including:
- Open murder
- Attempted homicide of a police officer
- Possession of a stolen firearm
- Auto larceny
- Resisting and obstructing law enforcement
Thompson’s arraignment is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. today.
Suspect #2: 18-Year-Old Hunter Vanderwall
- Name withheld pending formal charging
- Arrested in connection with the police chase and stolen firearm
- Police have indicated he did not fire the shot that killed Boyd
- Arraignment details have not yet been released
Officials also confirmed that a third individual may be connected to earlier vehicle break-ins reported the same night.
No description or identifying information has been released at this time.
The fatal shooting is believed to have occurred shortly before or after an incident around 10:30 p.m. on November 15, when officers attempted to stop two suspects accused of stealing items from a vehicle.
During the pursuit, the 17-year-old suspect allegedly fired multiple rounds at officers.
One round struck a police officer’s pants, though no physical injury occurred.
Both suspects were apprehended shortly thereafter, and investigators later recovered the firearm believed to have been used in both the pursuit and Boyd’s killing.
The parking deck remains closed as detectives from multiple agencies continue processing evidence.
Chief of Police Matt Richmond stated the closure may extend through Monday as the investigation continues.
Interim City Manager Benjamin Marentette issued a formal statement expressing condolences and support:
“This tragedy is heartbreaking. We extend our deepest sympathies and our love to the family of Lawrence Boyd IV, a teammate in our Parking Services Department. I also want to thank the Traverse City Police Department and our partner agencies for their swift response, which prevented further harm. Support services are being made available to all city staff.”
Authorities confirm there is no remaining threat to the public, and the temporary shelter-in-place order issued Saturday evening has been lifted.
The investigation remains active, and additional updates are expected as charging decisions finalize and evidence review continues.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the Traverse City Police Department or submit tips through official reporting channels.
SAN JOSE, Calif. — A San Jose police officer was shot and injured while investigating an armed carjacking in the downtown area on Wednesday, according to the San Jose Police Department (SJPD).
Authorities said the incident unfolded near the downtown core, close to major roadways including Highway 87 and the Julian Street exit.
Preliminary information indicates the suspect was involved in a series of violent events spanning multiple jurisdictions prior to the shooting.
Investigators believe the suspect initially stole a white Honda in Hollister, after abandoning a green Chevrolet Corvette.
During the course of the incident, the suspect allegedly fired shots at pursuing law enforcement officers, prompting a high-speed pursuit.
Police said the chase continued northbound on U.S. Highway 101, with speeds reportedly exceeding 100 miles per hour, traveling from Gilroy to San Jose. The pursuit ultimately led officers into the downtown area, where the officer-involved shooting occurred.
SJPD confirmed that a sworn department member was struck by gunfire and was transported to a local hospital. The officer’s condition has not been publicly disclosed at this time.
In a statement released on social media, the department said:
“SJPD is currently investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in downtown San Jose related to an armed carjacking. An SJPD sworn Department member has been shot and transported to a local hospital. This is an active and ongoing investigation, and PIOs will share more information as it becomes available.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, police had not confirmed whether any suspects were in custody, nor had they indicated whether any civilians were injured during the incident.
The shooting took place in an area that includes government buildings, businesses, and major transit hubs, leading to temporary traffic disruptions and a heightened police presence.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional details are expected to be released by authorities as more information becomes available.