BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Police have arrested the man suspected of shooting a police officer three times while responding to calls of children screaming at a house.
Officers were dispatched to the 300 block of Cherry Street at 1:16 a.m. on Saturday for a report of children screaming, according to the Battle Creek Police Department.
Police believed they saw a suspect with 9 warrants from Calhoun County, mainly for assaults and failure to appear in court, but people at the house said everything was fine and would not let them in.
Yarbrough and his vehicle were identified at the house so several officers stayed to monitor the house and at about 2:30 a.m. BCPD Officer Jeffrey Johnson called out that Yarbrough was fleeing, both he and Yarbrough fired gunshots and Johnson was found on the ground near the garage with three gunshot wounds — to his left leg, left chest and a graze to his wrist.
Johnson was taken to Bronson Battle Creek Hospital where he was stabilized before being transported to Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. Officers at the scene applied a tourniquet to his leg and doctors believe this plus a bulletproof vest saved the officer’s life.
Johnson was listed in stable condition later Saturday and was immediately taken into surgery.
No other officers fired.
The suspect managed to run away and officers found a 9mm handgun at the scene, though they’re not sure if the Yarbrough.
Police arrested Andre Durrell Yarbrough as a person of interest in this incident just before 4:30 p.m Saturday. After a more than 12 hour search, a Silent Observer tips lead Calhoun County Sheriff’s Deputies, Michigan State Police, and Battle Creek Police to an apartment where Yarbrough was supposed to be. Police used a K-9 unit to find the man in a closet at the apartment.
Yarbrough initially refused to come out, but was removed from the closet by the K-9 dog partner. Yarbrough was cuffed with Johnson’s handcuffs and taken to the Calhoun County Jail, charged with assault with intent.
“I am proud of our team, and proud of our community,” said BCPD Chief Jim Blocker. “Officer Johnson, and our entire BCPD team appreciate everyone’s encouragement and well wishes today.”
Anyone with information on this incident in general should contact police at (269) 781-0911 or Silent Observer at (269) 964-3888.
