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Investigation launched into photos shot atop Mackinac Bridge

Ariana Taylor
The Detroit News

Police are investigating after photos that were apparently shot from the top of Mackinac Bridge were posted to social media. 

Michigan State Police said the person responsible for taking the photos could face felony charges for trespassing at a key transportation facility. 

Officials believe someone climbed to the top of one of the bridge towers to take the photos. 

"It is very troubling that someone would put their own life at risk, not to mention that of others, just for photos and thrills on our state's signature bridge," said Michigan Department of Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba in a statement. "While the Michigan State Police continue their investigation, I have also asked the MDOT employees at the bridge to conduct a thorough review and implement measures to prevent future incursions."

After Mackinac Bridge authority staff became aware of the photos, they reviewed an incident from a morning in early November when an alarm was activated on the bridge. 

Staff could not immediately determine how the alarm was activated at the time. However, another alarm was set off several hours later the same day and staff members saw someone leaving the bridge. 

When local police arrived, the person could not be found. 

"This is not a harmless stunt; it's inexcusably reckless," said Mackinac Bridge Authority Executive Secretary Kim Nowack. 

On his Instagram account, the photographer said the photo showing the Northern Lights is a "composite image combining both shots from the climb with shots from a separate storm with much stronger showing further north. The lights did show that night but were faint giving me inspiration for the composite, I value the integrity of my work and I believe it’s an important distinction to make."

This isn't the first time the photographer, knows as Drift, has caused an uproar for climbing a bridge in Michigan. 

Back in September, his account on Instagram posted photos 152 feet up to the top of the Ambassador Bridge, which spans the Detroit River and connects Michigan to Windsor, Ontario, in Canada.

The illegal climb on the privately owned international crossing sparked concerns over security.