This story has been updated.
State Representative Neil Friske (R-Charlevoix) was released from jail Friday while an investigation continues into allegations against him that include sexual assault.
The first-term Republican lawmaker was arrested early Thursday. That was after Lansing police officers responded to a report of a man with a gun and possible shots fired. The Lansing Police Department requested warrants on felony charges of assault, sexual assault and a weapons violation.
The Ingham County Prosecutor will decide if and when to file charges based on the results of the investigation.
In a Facebook post after Friske's arrest, his reelection campaign appeared to try to link the arrest to the upcoming GOP primary and a “deep state” conspiracy.
“As many of us know, Rep. Friske is always exercising his 2nd Amendment right,” it said.
The campaign also called the timing of the arrest “highly suspect” as absentee ballots will be mailed soon and claimed without evidence that Friske’s primary challenger, Parker Fairbairn, has “deep-state ties.”
The district, which comprises the northwestern tip of the Lower Peninsula and the eastern tip of the Upper Peninsula, is solidly Republican. A spokesman for House Minority Leader Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp.) did not respond to a request for comment.
