The crime fighting partnership between Michigan State Police and the Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety continues to produce results. Michigan State Police have released the following statement about the seizure of some guns and a shooting investigation:
At the request of Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety (BHDPS), the Michigan State Police (MSP) has expanded its resources in Benton Harbor. Six troopers and one sergeant have been assigned through Sept. 18, in addition to troopers currently assigned to the Secure Cities Partnership (SCP).
Benton Harbor is part of Michigan’s SCP, which is an initiative developed by the MSP to address crime through a comprehensive system of ‘smart justice’ that recognizes the connection between enforcement and community engagement.
Last evening 09/03/20 at approximately 9:30 p.m. troopers working the SCP detail were responding to River Terrace Apartments located on 8th St., south of Britain Ave in the city of Benton Harbor to assist BHDPS with a disturbance.
Prior to their arrival, a suspect vehicle fled the scene and a description of the vehicle was provided to Berrien County dispatch by BHDPS officers. Dispatch subsequently broadcast this information to area officers. Having knowledge of the vehicle’s description, troopers located the vehicle on Colfax Ave and initiated a traffic stop for not having electronic verified insurance. Upon approaching the driver, they observed a pistol sitting in plain view on his lap. As the driver complied with a request to exit the vehicle, several other guns were observed in plain view inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Upon questioning the driver about the guns, he advised he possessed a Carry Concealed Pistol License (CPL) and admitted all the guns belong to him.
A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the following seizure:
- 8 pistols,
- 4 long guns (AR & AK style rifles, and 12-gauge shotgun)
- extended magazines
- 100’s of rounds of ammunition
- 2 body armors (1 passenger wearing one and one in the trunk)
The driver did have a valid CPL, however only one gun was registered to him and he was carrying loaded rifles in the vehicle. He was arrested and lodged for having a loaded long gun and possession of body armor while in commission of a felony. His four passengers were arrested and lodged for a range of charges from CCW, to felon in possession firearm.
Additional Information:
According to the MSP Major Crimes Unit (MCU) embedded within BHDPS, there was some intelligence that there was going to be a shooting last evening. The suspects arrested in the traffic stop are believed to be responsible for the last 10 or more retaliation shootings. The seized firearms appear to match the ballistics evidence recovered from an open homicide investigation and other reported shootings. The weapons will be sent to the lab to confirm their connection with these investigations.
It is without a doubt that the BHPDS, along with MSP SCP troopers, worked together to prevent a likely shooting and potentially saved the lives of would be victims by their quick actions and ultimately making timely arrests and taking dangerous weapons off the streets. Since July 21, 2020, it is believed but not confirmed that this group is responsible for shooting up five houses and hitting/injuring 6 individuals. From the last reported shooting in the city, 42 fired shell casings were recovered where two people were hit.
Names of the arrested subjects are being withheld pending arraignments. This investigation remains open and ongoing.
