UNION CITY, MI (WTVB) – The suspect who Michigan State Police say shot two of its members late Wednesday morning in Union Township was later found dead in a nearby field.
Lt. Jim Coleman, who is the Post Commander of the State Police post in Marshall, says it was not known late Wednesday afternoon if the suspect took his own life.
The State Police have not released the suspect’s name.
Detective Sergeant Aaron Steensma and Trooper Daniel Thayer were shot in the area of Arborgast and Francisco Roads during the execution of a search warrant related to the Duane Finney cold case investigation.
Coleman says six officers were present when the incident took place.
When troopers announced their presence prior to making entry into the residence, the suspect leveled a long gun at the officers.
Coleman says Steensma was shot in the clavicle while Thayer was hit in his ballistic vest.
Steensma was taken to Promedica Coldwater Regional Hospital and later flown out to Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. Lt. Dale Hinz said late Wednesday that Steensma was in serious but stable condition.
Thayer was shot in the chest and hand. His vest blocked the bullet that hit him in the chest. He was treated for a minor injury at ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital and released.
The entire Union City Community School District was initially placed on a lockdown because of the shooting. It was lifted about a half hour later.
A large number of police officers responded. The search for the suspect included the use of K9’s and a State Police helicopter. The scene was still being processed by detectives several hours after the shooting incident. Further information is expected to be released once detectives finish up their work.
