Courier-Leader, Paw Paw Flashes, & South Haven Beacon News

Wanted fugitive taken into custody after pipe bomb standoff

On Monday, July 7, Morgan Scott Parish, 58, was arraigned in 7th District Court, Paw Paw, before Honorable Judge McKay. Parish was formally charged with 18 criminal counts, including terrorism, multiple counts of assault with intent to murder, explosive-related offenses, and assaulting/resisting law enforcement officers. A Habitual Offender – Fourth Offense Notice, was also filed. Parish was given a $5 million bond.
Charges filed include:
Count 1: Terrorism – Life or any term of years; reimbursement for government expenses.
Counts 2 – 9: Assault with intent to murder (eight counts)
Counts 10 – 12: Explosives – Possession of bombs with unlawful intent (three counts) – 15 years and/or $10,000 fine.
Counts 13 – 15: Manufacture/possession of explosive or incendiary devices with malicious intent (three counts) – 15 years and/or $10,000 fine.
Count 16: Weapons – possession of ammunition by a prohibited person – Five years and/or $5,000 fine; mandatory weapon forfeiture.
Counts 17–18: Police officer – assault/resist/obstruct (two counts) – two years and/or $2,000 fine; potential consecutive sentence.
Count 19: Habitual offender – fourth offense notice. Subject to sentence enhancement under MCL 769.12. Bottom of Form

Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott said that on July 4, at approximately 11 a.m., Van Buren County Sheriff’s deputies located the suspect, a wanted fugitive believed to be staying in the 28000 block of County Road 388. After developing probable cause, deputies obtained a search warrant for the camper where the suspect was residing.
As deputies approached the camper, the suspect detonated a pipe bomb inside. Deputies immediately retreated and requested assistance of the Van Buren County SWAT team.
Upon arrival, SWAT personnel began verbal negotiations with the suspect, urging him to surrender peacefully. He refused, stating he would not return to prison and expressed his intent to kill all officers on scene.
In response, SWAT developed a tactical plan and deployed CS (tear) gas into the camper to compel the suspect to exit. As gas was deployed, the suspect emerged and threw a pipe bomb at officers, which detonated. Moments later, he exited again and threw a second pipe bomb, which also detonated.
As the suspect stood in the doorway, a SWAT officer deployed a less-lethal shotgun, striking the suspect twice. The suspect then surrendered and was taken into custody. He was transported to a hospital for treatment of his injuries.
No officers were injured during the incident.
Following the arrest, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) Bomb Squad responded and located an additional pipe bomb, which was safely destroyed. Due to the serious nature of the incident, the Michigan State Police Crime Lab was called to the scene to assist with processing evidence.

Leave a Reply