BAY COUNTY (WWJ) - A barricaded situation at a Bay County home came to an end early Sunday morning, hours after police say a military veteran apparently experiencing flashbacks from war fired shots in his neighborhood.
Bay County Sheriff Troy R. Cunningham said via Mlive that the 54-year-old man surrendered after he barricaded himself inside his home in Bangor Township for over seven hours. No one was hurt in the incident which was first reported to police just before 7 p.m. on Saturday
According to Cunningham, a caller told 911 dispatch that a military veteran, who lived in the 3600 block of Lauria Drive, could be heard shouting inside his home. The caller claimed that the man was experiencing a flashback from his time in the Gulf War.
As police we en route, the caller spoke with 911 a second time and reported hearing a popping noise from inside the home and a woman yelling out the man's name, Cunningham added.
Gunshots could be heard by deputies when the arrived at the residence and additional help was requested. Along with more deputies from the Bay County Sheriff's Office, troopers with the Michigan State Police, their Emergency Support Team, officers from the Bay City, Hampton Township, and Essexville public safety departments, Bangor Township firefighters and Mobile Medical Response personnel all responded to the home and set up a perimeter.
After some time, Cunningham said a woman came out of the house and told authorities she was the man's girlfriend. She said she was uninjured and her boyfriend had not threatened her.
About seven and a half hours after the first 911 came in, the 54-year-oldv veteran surrendered to MSP's Emergency Response Team. The sheriff said the man sustained an injury to his hand during the stand-off and was taken to McLaren Bay Region hospital for treatment as well as a mental health evaluation.
According to Cunningham, the man had fired several rounds from a handgun, but no shots were directed at police. When authorities entered his home, they discovered several guns, ammunition and spent shell casings.
Authorities did not release the man's name and so far, he has not been charged with a crime. If so, the man will be named when he is arraigned in Bay County District Court.
If you are a veteran in crisis or you are concerned about a loved one, there is help through the Veterans Crisis Line. Dial 988 then Press 1, chat live, or text 838255.