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Kalamazoo Sheriff: Victim in shooting saved lives of kids

Posted at 8:39 AM, Feb 22, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-22 08:39:34-05

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller tells FOX 17 that the first victim in the shooting spree in Kalamazoo Saturday saved the lives of children on a playground.

Fuller told FOX 17's Annie Szatowski Monday morning that Tiana Carruthers was shot multiple times outside the Meadows Townhomes and is recovering.  Fuller says that the woman was at a playground with other moms and kids when the suspect, Jason Dalton, pulled up and started shooting.  Fuller credits Carruthers with yelling to the kids to run away and taking some of the bullets that Dalton was firing at the playground.

Tuesday afternoon, Iona Carruthers, Tiana's mother issued this statement:

“Our hearts reach out to all families touched by this senseless tragedy.

We appreciate every prayer and tender thought extended to us. We also offer special thanks to our law enforcement teams, EMS professionals and the doctors and nurses who are providing us compassionate care.”