Lawerance Boyd IV Obituary, Death; – A Traverse City Parking Services employee has died following what police describe as a fatal shooting linked to an attempted car break-in, a pursuit, and gunfire directed at officers over the weekend.
The deceased has been identified as 32-year-old Lawerance Boyd IV.
According to Traverse City Police, two suspects, aged 17 and 18, are in custody after an alleged vehicle theft on Saturday, November 15, escalated into a foot pursuit and prompted a shelter-in-place alert near the Super 8 Hotel on Munson Avenue, which included Northwestern Michigan College. This alert has since been lifted.
Officers were initially dispatched to East Eighth Street near Garfield Avenue in response to a reported theft. Police later encountered the suspects, both of whom were wearing hoodies and masks, on Munson Avenue.
The suspects fled, and during the pursuit, one of them fired at the officers. A bullet struck an officer’s pant leg, but fortunately, no officers sustained injuries. Investigators subsequently located the weapon outside a room at a local hotel.
On Sunday morning, police discovered Boyd’s body on the 300 block of East State Street. They have stated that his death is related to the attempted theft and the ensuing chase. Boyd was employed by Traverse City Parking Services.
Interim City Manager Benjamin Marentette issued a statement expressing, “I appreciate the work of our Police Department, law enforcement partners, and first responders. We are mourning the loss of the victim and his family, and while often unspoken, we extend our thoughts to the families of the suspects. The city will provide support services for all employees during this challenging time.”
Police have indicated that the investigation is ongoing.
