UNION CITY, MI (WTVB) – Michigan State Police Detective/Sergeant Aaron Steensma is looking at a long recovery back to health after he was shot Wednesday morning at a residence in Branch County’s Union Township as a warrant was being served in connection with the Duane Finney cold case murder investigation.
A bullet got through his body armor and hit him in the shoulder.
He is remains in serious but stable condition at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo where he remains heavily sedated.
Steensma’s family has released a statement, thanking everyone for their support and particular the medical personnel from the EMS crews to the doctors and nurses at ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital and at Borgess Medical Center.
They say “It’s something we knew could happen at any time but there is no way to prepare yourself for it when it does occur.” They also ask that everyone keep him in their thoughts and prayers.
Trooper Daniel Thayer was also shot in the incident. His hand was grazed by a bullet and his ballistic vest stopped a bullet which hit him in the chest.
The complete statement from the family of Michigan State Police Detective/Sergeant Aaron Steensman:
“We would like to start off by saying thank you to everyone for your outpouring of support. Not only from the Michigan State Police and but also from surrounding police, fire and EMS agencies as well as friends and surrounding communities. We would like to give a special thanks to the personnel who helped take care of Aaron on the scene and help get him to safety, as well as all of the medical personnel who have provided excellent treatment and care for Aaron in his time of need.
“Aaron is a family oriented guy and very involved in the community. He loves being involved with his children at their sporting events and he will be greatly missed while he continues to recover from this horrifying incident. It’s something we knew could happen at any time but there is no way to prepare yourself for it when it does occur. He loves his job and we are all very proud of his accomplishments while working with the Michigan State Police. Please continue to keep Aaron and our family in your thoughts and prayers as well as all of the emergency responders out protecting and serving.”
