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BERRIEN COUNTY — An officer-involved shooting involving two officers – one from Buchanan Police Department and one from the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department – is under investigation by the Michigan State Police Fifth District Special Investigations Section.

The incident occurred at approximately 7 a.m. Tuesday in the 15000 block of Lakeview Drive, Buchanan Township. Preliminary investigations revealed that a Buchanan City officer responded to a call of an erratic driver complaint in the Buchanan area. The officer located the vehicle – Chevy 2500 Pickup – and attempted to stop it but the driver fled from the officer, resulting in a pursuit.  

During the pursuit, it was learned the vehicle was recently reported stolen out of Niles Township. At some point, a Berrien County deputy joined in. The suspect driver led them down a dead end road. When attempting to stop and arrest the suspect, the suspect backed up and collided into both patrol vehicles. During the collision, both officers discharged their weapons at the suspect vehicle; however, the suspect was able to continue fleeing and ultimately ditched the vehicle a short time later and fled on foot into a wooded area. He was subsequently located and arrested by a Berrien County K-9 team. 

Uninjured during this incident, the suspect was transported and lodged at the Berrien County Jail on numerous felonious charges, including resisting and obstructing, fleeing and eluding and possession of a stolen vehicle. He was described as a 33 year-old male showing ties to both the Elkhart and Benton Harbor area. 

Neither the officers, nor the suspect suffered injuries during the pursuit or the gunfire. Both officers have been placed on paid admin leave pending the outcome of the investigation. This incident remains open pending further investigation. Upon completion, a full copy of the report, along with all collected evidence, will be forwarded to the Berrien County Prosecutor’s Office for review.