BATTLE CREEK (WKZO) -- A Battle Creek police officer was injured early today in hand-to-hand combat with a burglary suspect who ended up getting shot.
It happened around 1am when police were called to check out a breaking and entering in progress in the 400 block of Capital Northeast. City police said the officer was punched in the face attempting to arrest the suspect, who went for the officer’s gun.
They were rolling on the ground, struggling for the handgun when it discharged, striking the suspect in the upper arm. The officer, a seven year veteran of the force, was treated for facial injuries and released from Bronson Battle Creek.
The suspect, described as a middle aged white male, was taken to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo for emergency surgery on the gunshot wound but he should survive. No names were released.
Following standard policy the officer is currently on paid administrative leave until the shooting is reviewed.
