VAN BUREN TWP. (WWJ) – A man believed to be connected to two shootings, including one fatal, in recent days at a Van Buren Township mobile home community is in police custody.
Just after noon Sunday police received calls of a man who had been shot while walking his dog and responded within seconds, as they were already at the Van Buren Estates, on Lohr Road between Martz and Bemis, investigating a fatal shooting that happened near the community on Friday.
They were able to quickly identify the home where the suspect fled into, leading to a roughly two-hour standoff as he refused to come outside. Residents were told to shelter in place and avoid the area during the barricaded situation.
Officers and detectives were able to surround the location and negotiators with the Western Wayne Special Operations Team were activated for a barricaded situation.
About two hours later the suspect finally came out and surrendered without incident. He is being held at the Van Buren Police Department, pending the authorization of charges by the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.
The victim of Sunday’s shooting was listed in stable condition, while the dog “appeared to be grazed by a bullet” and was also listed in stable condition. The dog was taken to the Romulus Animal Shelter.
Sunday’s shooting happened just two days after a man was found dead in a field north of Van Buren Estates around 5 p.m. Friday. Authorities believe the same man is responsible for both shootings.
No possible motive in either case has been released.
Officials with the Van Buren Township Department of Public Safety said Saturday it was not clear whether Friday’s victim was specifically targeted, so officers remained in the area throughout the weekend.
Detectives are actively executing search warrants, processing multiple scenes, and gathering evidence, officials said.
“The Van Buren Police Department extends its heartfelt condolences to the victim's family and loved ones during this difficult time,” officials said in a press release. “The Van Buren Township Police Department would like to thank the community for their invaluable support in providing crucial information related to the ongoing investigations.”
This is an active investigation. Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest details on this developing story.
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