NewsLocal NewsGrand Rapids

Actions

GRPD: Fatal shooting in downtown GR began as 'family feud,' suspect in custody

Victim in downtown Grand Rapids shooting identified by family
Posted at 9:33 PM, Jun 05, 2022
and last updated 2022-06-06 17:21:50-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The suspected shooter in a Grand Rapids shooting over the weekend is now in custody, according to the Grand Rapids Police Department.

Police say the shooting began as a "family feud."

The victim has been identified as 25-year-old Armonie Acklin.

Victim in downtown Grand Rapids shooting identified by family

According to Grand Rapids police, the shooting happened around 12:15 a.m. on Pearl Street NW between Monroe and Ottawa Avenues. 

READ MORE: GRPD: 1 dead, 3 wounded after Downtown shooting

Three other men were also shot but are expected to be okay. 

image1.jpeg

Police tell us two groups were involved in the shooting, adding one group had been celebrating a wedding at Ambiance GR Kitchen & Lounge. The bride was reportedly wearing a wedding dress at the time.

At one point, the wedding group ran into the other group outside when a physical altercation broke out. Police say both groups had an enduring feud.

GRPD says an individual left during the fight and procured guns from a pickup truck. We're told one shooter had two guns when shots rang out. Police tell us authorities arrived on the scene in a matter of minutes.

“He was a very loving, caring young man,” said Brenda Bables, Acklin’s mother. “He’s a hunter and a fisher… He was a softball coach for a little league team one summer. Just an all around beautiful man that’s just gone too soon.”

Acklin was a father to three and expecting another child later this year.

Acklin’s family says they were told by friends that he tried to break up a fight between some people and caught a stray bullet.

No one FOX 17 spoke to knew the other individuals hurt in the incident.

Loved ones remember man killed in Grand Rapids

“He just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Kevin Bables, Ackline’s stepfather. “We don’t know what the circumstances were, but we’re just glad that we’re supporting each other as a family and being positive as we can about the situation.”

Acklin belonged to a local motorcycle group called ‘Rep Yo City 616 Ryders’ (RYC).

The organization and Acklin’s family held a vigil for him at Lamar Park Sunday night.

Those at the park gathered around Acklin’s beloved orange Harley, shared memories of him, then revved their bikes in his honor.

RYC says Acklin joined the group five years ago and in that time he turned into a mature, motivated young man.

“Armonie was a great person, a great brother,” said Barried Green, RYC. “He would give his last, do whatever for us. He was always willing to help no matter what it was.”

If you have any information on the shooting, contact the Grand Rapids Police Department at (616) 456-3380 or Silent Observer at (616) 774-2345.

Acklin’s family has also set up a Facebook fundraiser to help pay for funeral costs. To donate, click here.

Follow FOX 17: Facebook - Twitter - Instagram - YouTube