UNION CITY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A Michigan State Trooper and a detective sergent are recovering, one of them at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, after they were shot during a gunfight with a person of interest in a murder case in Branch County’s Union Township.
The unnamed suspect was later found dead from a bullet wound in a corn field, where he fled after the shooting. They aren’t sure whether it was return fire from State Police or a self-inflicted gunshot that killed him.
Det. Sgt. Aaron Steenstra and Trooper Daniel Thayer of the Marshall Post were reportedly investigating the cold case murder of Duane Finney, who was found shot to death in his car as he was headed to work in May 2009. They were accompanied by four other officers.
The link between the Finney murder and the suspect involved in the gunfight has not been disclosed.
Michigan State Police Marshall Post Commander Jim Coleman says the troopers were trying to execute a search warrant at the home on Francisco Road late Wednesday morning, when they were confronted by the suspect who was holding a long gun.
They were wounded as they ducked for cover. Steensma was hit in the collarbone, above his body armor. Thayer’s hand was grazed and the bullet hit him square in the chest and was stopped by his vest.
Both were taken to Promedica Coldwater Regional Hospital in Coldwater. Thayer was treated and released. Steensma was loaded onto an AirCare chopper after he was stabilized and airlifted to Borgess in Kalamazoo, where he is now listed in stable but serious condition after surgery.
Michigan State Police (MSP) Director Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue “Thanks to the quick actions of troopers at the scene and the excellent medical attention he received from ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital, West Michigan Air Care, and the trauma team at Borgess Medical Center, D/Sergeant Steensma is doing remarkably well for the seriousness of his injury.”
The investigation is ongoing and more information will be released later.
