OSCODA COUNTY – On Thursday, February 9, 2023, at approximately 10:50 a.m. a trooper from the Michigan State Police (MSP) Alpena Post and conservation officers from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources were called to a residence on Big Creek Road in Big Creek Township for a report of an alleged felonious assault. Utility workers were running fiber optic cable across a residential driveway. The workers had a permit and attempted to contact the homeowner before beginning the project, however there was no answer at the door. While workers were pulling line, the homeowner came outside and demanded they leave his property.The workers explained why they were there, and the homeowner displayed a handgun and demanded they leave. Utility workers called 911 and law enforcement responded.
The trooper and conservation officers verified the workers had a permit. The homeowner, identified as 49-year-old Michael Clifford Thomas, was placed under arrest and a .45 caliber Glock handgun was seized.
Thomas was arraigned in the 81st District Court in Oscoda County for one count Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. He was given a $25,000 10% cash surety bond.
