BATTLE CREEK, MI (WTVB) – UPDATE: Police in Battle Creek have announced that Officer Jeff Johnson has left the hospital and is making progress in his recovery.
During a press conference Monday afternoon, Battle Creek Police Chief Jim Blocker spoke on the current status of Johnson.
“[Johnson’s] condition has improved significantly,” Blocker said. “Within the last hour, he has been released from the hospital. He is heading home.”
Although Johnson survived the shooting, Blocker says it will be a long recovery road.
“Physically, he’s gonna be on the mend,” Blocker said. “We’re gonna get him where he needs to be, and that’s something we can be really proud of. But I can also tell you it was an intensely traumatic event, not just for him, but for his family, for all those that were there, and that’s gonna take a little longer.”
The suspect in the shooting was identified as 30-year-old Andre Yarbrough, who was originally wanted on several outstanding warrants.
He is now lodged at the Calhoun County Jail while the Michigan State Police continue the investigation.
— Original Story —
After a 12 hour search, a suspect in the shooting of a Battle Creek Police Department officer was taken into custody Saturday afternoon.
Thanks a tip called into Silent Observer, Battle Creek Police, Calhoun County Sheriff’s deputies and Michigan State Police responded to the River Apartments on Stringham Road where 30-year-old Andre Yarbrough was found and arrested.
Yarbrough was wanted in connection with a shooting early Saturday morning on Cherry Street of Officer Jeff Johnson who was shot in the leg, chest and wrist but is expected to make a full recovery.
Police were originally looking for Yarbrough because he was wanted on nine warrants.
A K-9 unit searched the apartment at about 4:20 p.m. and found Yarbrough hiding in a closet. Yarbrough was pulled from the closet by a K-9 dog partner after he refused to come out.
After he was searched, police placed Johnson’s handcuffs on Yarbrough and took him to the Calhoun County Jail where he is lodged on a charge with assault with intent. The Michigan State Police will continue review of the officer involved shooting.
(reporting by Jim Measel)
