MI Republican Lawmaker Blames 'False Accusations' In Arrest

LANSING, MI — A Michigan Republican lawmaker said he did nothing wrong after police arrested him in connection with a possible sexual assault and possible shots fired.

Neil Friske, 62, a Republican from Charlevoix, was arrested "for a felon-level offense" after police received reports of a man with a gun and possible shots fired at 2:45 a.m. on the 2100 block of Forest Road in Lansing last Thursday.

Friske was released from jail Friday, though he still faces the possibility of three felony charges for sexual assault, weapons and assault in connection with the incident.

Police are still investigating the incident and did not provide any new updates Monday.

Friske, meanwhile, maintained his innocence and said he is confident he will be exonerated.

"What I can say is that the police were called, resulting in being detained due to false accusations," Friske said in a statement posted on social media. "However, upon initial investigation, no evidence was found to support the claims and I was subsequently released with no charges. I am confident that this investigation will totally exonerate me."

Friske was first elected to the state House in November 2022. He represents Michigan's 107th House District, which covers all of Charlevoix and Emmet counties and portions of Cheboygan, Chippewa and Mackinac counties, spanning across both peninsulas.

He faces a Republican primary election challenge in the August primary against Parker Fairbairn of Harbor Springs.