VAN BUREN COUNTY (WWJ) - A West Michigan man in need of medical attention may face potential charges for discharging a firearm early Tuesday morning after bad cell service failed to connect his calls to 911.
The Van Buren County Sheriff's Office said a 52-year-old Porter Township man caused a disturbance in his front yard around 1:45 a.m. on November 28 after neighbors reported gunfire and a man shouting for help.
When sheriff's deputies arrived at the home off Gravel Lake Drive, they identified the man who reportedly fired the shots based on callers' discerptions and prior interactions.
Deputies, along with state troopers and Lawton police officers, set up a perimeter around the home, but once they made contact, the man immediately walked out and surrendered without further incident.
He told deputies that he was experiencing severe foot and leg pain and was trying to get medical attention. The man attempted to call 911 multiple times, the sheriff's office said, but was unable to get through due to poor cellphone service.
“Out of frustration and no other way to call for help, he figured that if he started shooting his guns in the yard, it would cause a disturbance that would make the neighbors call 911 and ultimately get him the help that he needed,” deputies added.
The man was taken to a local hospital while authorities removed a number of shot guns and rifles from the man's home, to include four firearms in the incident.
Deputies said the guns were lined up in the house, right outside the door.
The man's condition remains unknown at this time.
Deputies stated the 52-year-old could face a possible charge of reckless discharge of a firearm in the incident. One complete, the case is expected to be forwarded to the Van Buren County Prosecutor's Office for further review.