Michigan state politics was shaken up in recent days after a state lawmaker was arrested on serious charges.
According to the Detroit Free Press, State Rep. Neil Friske (R) was taken into custody "following a disturbance in Lansing that involved a firearm and a possible sexual assault."
He was ultimately released from lockup in Lansing late Friday morning.
It was reported that Ingham County prosecutors are still attempting to determine what charges they intend to pursue against him, if any.
So far, the lawmaker has not been charged, but the outlet noted that records indicated Lansing police were pursuing charges "of sexual assault, assault, and a weapons-related offense."
Ingham County Prosecutor John Dewane's Office announced on Friday that he urged Lansing police to continue the investigation into Friske and any possible charges. His office is coordinating with Lansing police on the investigation.
"The Lansing Police Department submitted a warrant request to our office on June 21, 2024, after a review of the initial investigation, I have asked the Lansing Police Department to continue their investigation. Our office will continue to work in coordination with law enforcement on this matter," Dewane said.
Edwar Zeineh of Lansing, Friske's attorney who had him released from lockup, released a short statement regarding the state lawmaker's arrest.
"This is a case that is getting our full attention to show actual innocence," his attorney said.
The outlet noted:
Friske was arrested about 2:45 a.m. Thursday in the 2000 block of Windbreak Lane in Lansing, police spokeswoman Jordan Gulkis confirmed to the Free Press. Gulkis said officers were dispatched initially to the nearby 2100 block of Forest Road to respond to reports of a male with a gun, "as well as possible shots that were fired," she said in an email.
During the course of the investigation, the prosecutor's office said it "learned of a possible sexual assault of an adult female."
As the case continues to be investigated, social media users offered their opinions on what's happening, with many of his critics hitting him for being a man of "family values."
This morning, the Lansing community learned of the arrest of State Representative Neil Friske for felony-level charges in connection with a late-night encounter with a woman.
🧵1/4 pic.twitter.com/OiWjrjl2xi— Phil Skaggs (@philipskaggs) June 21, 2024
"Neil Friske has not been arraigned or charged yet with a crime, but what we’re hearing so far is pretty dark and ugly. He’s supposed to be a family man, who comfortably and frequently lectures others on morality, sexuality. Is he actually a violent sexual predator?" another X user wrote.
