The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety says two of its officers are recovering from gunshot wounds after a shootout with a suspect Thursday night. The suspect was killed. He’s been identified as 32-year-old Dustin Levell Saffell.
Speaking Friday, Benton Harbor Public Safety Director Dan McGinnis said police had been looking for Saffell on multiple warrants. They were for charges that include domestic violence and unlawful imprisonment. He had run from both Michigan State Police and Benton Harbor Public Safety in the past week.
A sergeant with Benton Harbor Public Safety was on patrol around 11:20 p.m. Thursday when he spotted a vehicle associated with Saffell parked at a home in the 700 block of Highland. He called for backup as police knew Saffell had firearms and a criminal history that included weapons charges.
When another officer arrived, police went to make contact with Saffell, who was sitting in the parked car. He got out with a gun loaded with an extended magazine. Police and the suspect exchanged fire. A total of 15 rounds were fired at officers. It’s not known how many were fired at Saffell.
The police sergeant was hit in the abdomen and leg, although his vest stopped the bullet that hit his abdomen. The officer was hit three times, in the midsection and leg. Both were taken to Spectrum Health Lakeland hospital for treatment, where the sergeant remains after undergoing surgery. Both are expected to recover.
Chief McGinnis said Saffell had posted video of himself with guns and extended magazines to social media. Those magazines hold extra rounds. McGinnis said, “These are what we have out there on our streets right now.” McGinnis said Saffell had also bragged in the past week on social media about getting away from police when chased.
The investigation has now been turned over to Michigan State Police and the Berrien County Prosecutor for review.
Dustin Saffell:
