Sheriff Richard J Behnke reports that on 5/27/22 at approximately 10:47am, his office responded to a report of a subject with a firearm near Cassopolis Schools. This subject was in his vehicle on the road, in the area of Kamp Kozy St. and Ranger Drive, near Ross Beatty high school in Jefferson Twp, Cass County Michigan. In less than 3 minutes from the time dispatch took the initial call, responding units contacted the individual involved, who claimed that he was small game hunting in the neighboring field. The subject was in possession of several firearms including a handgun, two rifles with scopes and a pellet rifle with a scope. This subject did possess a valid Concealed Pistol License and was in possession of a valid small game hunting license.
It was determined that the subject was spotted by school staff, standing outside of his vehicle with what appeared to be a long barrel rifle. Deputies contacted the school administrative staff, and they indicated the roadway Identified as Ranger Drive is in fact school property. The guns and Concealed Pistol License have been confiscated.
Cassopolis High School was in lockdown during this incident. Deputies cleared the school finding no individuals on campus that did not belong, nor was there any threat to staff or students at the time the case was cleared.
No one was injured in this event. Names are being withheld pending a review from the Cass County Prosecutor’s Office.
Assisting with this call were Cassopolis Police Department, Pokagon Tribal Police Department, and the Michigan DNR office.
