On Monday, April 9, 2018, at approximately 8:45 p.m., the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call of a possible armed suicidal subject at a residence off Brighton Road in Genoa Township. Upon the arrival of responding unit it was discovered that the subject had fled the area. Deputies checked the area but were not able to locate the subject. The suspect was later identified as Michael Troy Mapes, a 50-year-old Genoa Township resident.
At approximately 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 10, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office received a second call from the residence indicating that Mapes had returned. The 41-year-old female caller indicated that she woke to Mapes pouring gasoline on her and around her bed. The caller explained she observed a lighter in his hand and that Mapes had a rifle slung over his shoulder. Eventually the victim and her two children, ages 12 and 14, fled the residence. The caller indicated she heard a gunshot and Mapes yelling as she fled the residence.
Deputies from the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office established a perimeter around the residence and attempted to negotiate with Mapes for several hours. At approximately 8:00 p.m., Mapes attempted to leave the area in his vehicle. He was taken into custody after a short vehicle pursuit and physical altercation with the deputies on scene.
Mapes was lodged at the Livingston County Jail on numerous felony charges including assault with Intent to commit murder, attempted murder, preparation to burn a dwelling, fleeing and eluding, resisting and assaulting a police officer, and other charges. If convicted, Mapes could be sentenced to life in prison. There were no reported injuries reported to any parties involved. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Michigan State Police.
Mapes was arraigned on Wednesday, April 11, at the 53rd District Court in Howell. His bond was set at $1 million cash surety.
