A Traverse City Parking Services employee was found dead Sunday morning in the Larry C. Hardy Parking Deck, and investigators believe the killing is connected to a separate incident involving two teenagers arrested after an auto larceny and police pursuit the night before.

The Traverse City Police Department (TCPD) responded to a report of a deceased individual at the State Street parking deck at 7:48 a.m. Sunday. The victim, identified as 32-year-old Lawrence Boyd IV, appeared to have died from gunshot wounds, according to authorities. Police notified Boyd’s family, who granted permission for his name to be released publicly.

Detectives say evidence collected at the scene suggests Boyd’s homicide is linked to two Traverse City teens involved in a Saturday night series of crimes that prompted a shelter-in-place order. According to TCPD, the pair allegedly stole items from a vehicle and fled when approached by officers. During the chase, a 17-year-old suspect reportedly opened fire on pursuing police, striking an officer’s pant leg but causing no injuries.

The 17-year-old now faces an attempted homicide charge, while both teens are charged with larceny from an auto and resisting and obstructing. They are currently being held in the Grand Traverse County Jail, and police say the firearm used in both incidents has been recovered.

With the suspects in custody, the department stated there is no ongoing threat to the public. However, the investigation into Boyd’s killing remains active. TCPD Chief Matt Richmond told The Ticker that the Hardy Parking Deck will likely remain closed until Monday as investigators continue processing the scene.

Multiple agencies are assisting in the investigation, including the Michigan State Police Crime Lab, Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office, Traverse City Fire Department, MMR, Grand Traverse County Central Dispatch, and the Western Michigan University School of Medicine’s Medical Examiner’s Office.

Interim City Manager Benjamin Marentette issued a statement expressing condolences and commending the swift actions of law enforcement:

“This tragedy is heartbreaking. I want to thank the members of the exceptional Traverse City Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Matt Richmond, for their work. Their actions stopped more horrible things from happening that would have affected more lives.

We extend our deepest sympathies and our love to the family of Lawrence Boyd IV, a teammate in our Parking Services Department. While often this goes unsaid, I also extend our thoughts to the suspects’ families. We are making support services available to all city employees who comprise Team Traverse City.”

Authorities urge anyone with information relevant to the investigation to contact the Traverse City Police Department.