Michigan State Police (MSP) Paw Paw Post troopers are investigating a homicide that occurred Saturday, Dec. 14, around 6:49 a.m. in the 66000 block of 70th Street, in Hartford Township. Units were initially dispatched to the venue to investigate a report of a shots fired complaint. Upon arri-val, they found a 35-year-old Watervliet man deceased from a suspected gunshot wound and the suspect no longer at the venue. Preliminary investigation determined that the victim and the sus-pect, a 31-year-old South Bend man, were in a physical altercation at the venue when the suspect shot the victim and fled the scene, according to a press release from MSP.
The major crime task force was activated by MSP detectives, who were also assisted by Pokagon Tribal Band, and Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office. Using various investigative techniques and witness statements, authorities were able to track down and arrest the suspect in the Ft. Wayne, IN, area in less than 12 hours following the incident.
The suspect is currently lodged in Indiana and awaiting extradition back to Van Buren County. He is being held on homicide, carrying a concealed weapon, felon in possession of a fire-arm, and felony firearm charges. The name of the suspect is being withheld pending extradition and arrangement.
This case is ongoing, pending further investigation, autopsy, ballistics, and lab analysis re-sults.
Additionally, this was an isolated incident with no known threats to the community.
Thursday, December 26, 2024
