BENTON HARBOR, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Last month, Michigan State Police (MSP) officials announced that more Troopers would be stationed in Benton Harbor and Benton Township due to an uptick in violent crime.
On Wednesday, MSP officials released an update into the results of those staff changes.
With considerable progress in the reduction of gun violence and reported shootings since August 11, MSP has determined it is appropriate to adjust its current staffing level.
As of Wednesday, September 29, MSP will extend the additional troopers in the area through December instead of pulling out in October as originally planned.
Officials say this decision aligns with MSP’s ongoing commitment and focus on reducing violent crime, while also building on the police and community relationships established over the summer.
MSP will continue to evaluate conditions and is prepared to make staffing adjustments if warranted.
During the month of September, a total of eleven firearms were confiscated, resulting in nine carrying concealed weapon arrests. Two additional suspects were arrested for possession of methamphetamine and heroin.
On September 10, troopers recovered a stolen vehicle during a traffic stop in which all four occupants fled on foot. The vehicle had been reported to police as stolen on that date.
In summary, 15 arrests were made for the following:
- Nine – carrying concealed weapon and other firearms and possession of drugs charges
- Three – felony warrants satisfied, including one for possession of cocaine, one for carrying concealed weapon and home invasion, and one for home invasion and felonious assault and domestic assault
- One – felony resisting & obstructing police officer
- One – possession with intent to deliver felony drugs
- One – misdemeanor warrant satisfied for domestic assault 2nd degree
Assistance to Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety (BHDPS):
- 09/19 – Troopers assisted BHDPS with locating a stolen pistol that was discarded by a suspect fleeing on foot following a fleeing & eluding crash initiated by BHDPS officers.
- 09/23 – Troopers assisted BHDPS with the investigation of five juveniles suspected of shooting paintball guns at random individuals while driving around. All five were apprehended and charged with carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent, a felony.
Community engagement efforts over the course of the last month included attending the “Nobody’s Home” concert at City Center Park downtown.
Daily contact with community youth, passing out trinkets and other MSP memorabilia.
Community engagement also included the attendance of Thursday and Friday night Benton Harbor High School Football games to assist with crowd control and interact with fans and school officials.
Gun and ammo confiscated in Benton Harbor by Michigan State Police. (Photo courtesy MSP).
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