Traverse City, Michigan — Lawrence Boyd IV Shot After Car Theft, Police Chase, Investigation Ongoing
TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN — Lawrence Boyd IV, 32, a city parking employee, was found deceased early Sunday morning inside the Larry C. Hardy Parking Deck, marking a tragic and shocking day for Traverse City residents. Boyd’s death is directly linked to a dramatic chain of events that began the night before, when two teenagers allegedly stole a vehicle and fired at law enforcement officers during a high-speed chase through the city.
According to Traverse City Police Department reports, the initial incident occurred Saturday night when a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old were caught in a stolen car. During the ensuing chase, the younger suspect reportedly discharged a firearm toward pursuing officers. One bullet struck an officer’s pants but did not penetrate the skin. The teens briefly evaded capture, prompting a brief shelter-in-place advisory in the neighborhood. The order was later lifted after police secured the area.
Lawrence Boyd IV was discovered at approximately 7:48 a.m. Sunday morning inside the downtown parking garage, where he had been working alone. Investigators determined that the same firearm used during the chase the night before was involved in Boyd’s death. Police immediately secured the scene and closed the Larry C. Hardy Parking Deck for weekend-long crime scene processing, including forensic analysis and evidence collection.
By the time Boyd’s body was found, both teenage suspects had already been apprehended and were in custody at the Grand Traverse County Jail. Law enforcement officials report that the teens are facing multiple charges, including attempted murder, theft, and related firearms offenses. The firearm used in both incidents has been recovered, providing a critical link between the Saturday night chase and the fatal shooting of Boyd.
Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, reviewing surveillance footage, collecting witness statements, and reconstructing the timeline leading up to Boyd’s death. Police officials have stressed the seriousness of the incident and the need for the public’s cooperation in providing any information that may assist the ongoing investigation.
Lawrence Boyd IV was remembered by family, friends, and colleagues as a dedicated worker who took pride in his role managing city parking operations. “Lawrence was professional, dependable, and friendly to everyone he met,” said a coworker. “His passing is a tremendous loss to our team and the community.” Members of the Traverse City community have expressed shock and grief, highlighting the profound impact of losing a life under such violent and sudden circumstances.
Officials confirmed that Boyd’s name was released at his family’s request, and they extended condolences to all who loved him. The incident has left both residents and law enforcement grappling with the events that transpired over the course of a single night, as the city mourns and authorities continue to pursue justice.
The case remains under active investigation, with police urging anyone with information, including potential witnesses or surveillance footage, to come forward. Meanwhile, the community reflects on the tragic loss of Lawrence Boyd IV and the startling events that connected a stolen car, a high-speed chase, and a downtown shooting into one devastating outcome.
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