Selfridge Air National Guard Base Tightens Security After Man Found Dead
HARRISON TWP. (WWJ/AP) - The U.S. Air Force says it's stepped up security after the discovery of man's body at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County.
The man, identified Friday morning as a 22-year-old from Fair Haven in St. Clair County, was found around 7:30 a.m. Thursday on the west side of the base, located off of I-94 in Harrison Township.
Tech. Sgt. Daniel Heaton said a military member found the man's body outside of a building on the west side of the base. The discovery led to a brief base lockdown.
While military officials normally do not comment on specific security measures, 127th Wing commander Col. Philip Sheridan said he's ordering increased measures on the base.
"The safety and security of our military personnel, our civilian employees and those on the base on government business is of paramount concern," Sheridan said in a statement.
According to police, the man — found on the ground — appeared to have jumped the fence leading from a swampy area onto the base. Police said he attempted to gain access to buildings and vehicles to get out of the cold, but was unable to do so. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in his death.
State Police Lt. Phil Menna told WWJ there is no evidence of foul play.
"It may have been exposure as to the cause (of death), but we'll have to wait for the Medical Examiner's report," he said.
Michigan State Police said investigators were able to eventually identify the man from information gathered at the scene, although family members requested his name be kept private.
Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact state police at 877-616-4677 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
