ST. JOSEPH TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Authorities responded to an officer-involved shooting in Berrien County Monday.
Michigan State Police (MSP) Fifth District says that it started as a welfare check by St. Joseph Township police officers. They were called to check on a semi truck driver operating a semi-tractor trailer. They say they found the truck in the Carronde Park area near Riverbend Dr.
Officers say at that point, the man driving the truck crashed into a patrol vehicle. After driving a short distance, the driver is reported to have hit a residence. Police say he then got out of the car and ran away.
Police were able to catch up with him, but during the encounter, they say a quote, "violent altercation ensued." MSP reports during the altercation, one officer fired their gun and hit the suspect.
At the request of St. Joseph Twp PD, MSP 5th District SIS detectives are investigating an OIS consisting of multiple scenes in the Fairplain area. This is all the info I have at this time. Working to learn more & will post once received. pic.twitter.com/yKp0fkVD3s
— MSP Fifth District (@MspSouthwestMI) April 9, 2024
The suspect later died from his injuries at the hospital. MSP says the involved officer has minor injuries, and has been placed on paid administrative leave per St. Joseph Township Police Department policy & procedures.
MSP says the suspect has been identified as a 42-year-old man from Tennessee. They say once the investigation is complete, a full report with lab analysis, autopsy and toxicology results, and other evidence will be forwarded to the prosecutors office for review.
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