Two Michigan State Police Troopers Shot Near Union City, Suspect Dead
Update 4PM
The suspect in this morning's police shooting near Union City in Branch County has died.
WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids reports,
Investigators are working to determine if the suspect died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds or from shots fired by the troopers
Michigan State Police have released the following:
Michigan State Police (MSP) Director Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue is relieved to report that D/Sgt. Aaron Steensma of the Marshall Post, who was shot in the chest this morning while serving a search warrant in Union Township, is in serious but stable condition at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.
“Thanks to the quick actions of troopers at the scene and the excellent medical attention he received from ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital, West Michigan Air Care, and the trauma team at Borgess Medical Center, D/Sergeant Steensma is doing remarkably well for the seriousness of his injury,” Etue stated.
At approximately 11:15 a.m., Steensma and other MSP personnel were executing a search warrant at a residence on Francisco Road related to a cold case investigation when they came under fire. They were attempting to take cover when Steensma was shot in the chest and Tpr. Daniel Thayer, also of the Marshall Post, was shot in the chest and hand. The round that struck Thayer in the chest was stopped by his ballistic vest. All MSP personnel were wearing body armor at the time of the incident.
The MSP Emergency Support Team responded, and has now confirmed the suspect is deceased. No further details are available at this time, as the investigation is ongoing.
Update 2:30PM
The Michigan State Police have issued a new statement that now indicates two MSP officers were shot in the incident today in Branch County. Below is the statement released:
The Michigan State Police (MSP) is confirming that two MSP members, a detective sergeant and trooper, were shot during the execution of a search warrant related to a cold case investigation this morning at approximately 11:15 a.m. in Union Township, in rural Branch County.
When troopers announced their presence prior to making entry into the residence, the suspect leveled a long gun at the officers. They were attempting to take cover when the detective sergeant was shot in the chest and a trooper received a grazing wound to the hand.
The detective sergeant was transported to the hospital, and updates on the member’s condition are not available at this time. The trooper is not seeking medical attention at this time.
The MSP Emergency Support Team is on-scene. The suspect has not yet been taken into custody, but is believed to be confined to the property.
Original Story
A Michigan State Troper was shot near Union City this morning and taken to the nearby Promedica Coldwater Regional Hospital. His condition is unknown.
According to a press release from the Michigan State Police 5th District Headquarters,
The Trooper was shot at approximately 11:15 a.m. Wednesday and has been taken to Promedica Coldwater Regional Hospital.
A search for a suspect is continuing.
The condition of the trooper was not disclosed at this time.