People wait for news outside Berrien County Courthouse on in St. Joseph, Mich., where two bailiffs were shot and killed inside the courthouse before officers killed the gunman on Monday, July 12, 2016. The suspect is unknown and the exact number of victims, and the severity of their injuries, is unknown.
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Bailey said the shooting happened on the third floor of the courthouse.
Authorities had not yet released the names of anyone involved.
July 11, 2016I am being told shooter in Berrien County is dead and two bailiffs are dead in shootings.
Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey said at a news conference Monday evening that a deputy sheriff was also shot and wounded. Other law enforcement officers opened fire and killed the man, he said.
Bailey said, “The inmate was in custody for several charges”.
“They [civilians] went for shelter once the shooting occurred and other fearless officers were able to come to their rescue and take the shooter down”, Bailey said.
It’s understood the shooter is also deceased while a deputy sheriff has been wounded.
Retired Benton Township Police officer Kim Fowler knew both of the slain bailiffs well. This tragic event reminds us all too well that our law enforcement officers have their lives on the line every day not knowing what that day will bring.
The Governor of Michigan Rick Snyder says Michigan State police have secured the scene and started their investigating.
St. Joseph is located in far southwestern Michigan’s Berrien County, which borders Indiana.
Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., a St. Joseph native, said in a statement Monday, “What occurred today in my hometown breaks my heart”.
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“There’s still activity, they’re still keeping us a full block and a half away from the courthouse as we speak and we’ve tried to ask questions and nobodys talking yet, but yeah we can’t get any closer”.
