Michigan State Police released a statement this morning confirming troopers are investigating a homicide that occurred this past Saturday, Dec. 14 just before 7 am in the 66000 block of 70th St. in Hartford Township.
Units were initially dispatched to the venue to investigate a report of a shots fired complaint. On arrival, MSP reports finding a 35-year-old Watervliet man dead from a suspected gunshot wound and the suspect no longer at the location.
MSP says the preliminary investigation determined that the victim and the suspect, a 31-year-old South Bend man, were in a physical altercation when the suspect shot the victim and fled the scene.
The major crime task force was activated by MSP detectives, who were also assisted by Pokagon Tribal Band, and Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department, say they were able to track down and arrest the suspect in the Ft. Wayne, IN area less than 12 hours following the incident.
The suspect is currently lodged in Indiana and awaiting extradition back to Van Buren County, Michigan. He is being held on homicide, carrying a concealed weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, and felony firearm charges. The name of the suspect is being withheld pending extradition and arrangement. MSP’s policy is not to release the name of the victim.
