GOBLES, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — NOTE – This story has been updated to include new details as of Tuesday, July 27, at 6:45 p.m.
A Sheriff’s deputy in Van Buren County fatally shot a suspect who reportedly stabbed a K-9 deputy Monday evening.
Authorities were called to a home on N. State Street near Bush Street in Gobles around 7:30 on reports of an assault. Sheriff Daniel Abbott told WWMT that officers have been called to that house multiple times for the same reason.
He also said the suspect had multiple arrest warrants.
A couple of hours later, a warrant was served and the K-9 was sent inside the residence to try to force the suspect outside. It was found that he was hiding in a crawl space.
The suspect is accused of stabbing the dog several times before it retreated back outside.
The deputy entered the home and confronted the man, who was still wielding the knife. Police say they used a Taser on him, but it was ineffective in stopping him.
When he continued to approach them, deputies shot and killed the man. Lifesaving measures were taken, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The K-9 was taken to a vet in Kalamazoo for evaluation, where it was later reported to be in stable condition. However, it may require further treatment.
Tuesday evening, WOOD TV confirmed that the man was identified as 39-year-old Jacob Bender.
The Michigan State Police are conducting an investigation into the incident while the deputy is on standard paid administrative leave.
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