Any wounds they sustained were superficial, Battle Creek Police Chief Jim Blocker said.
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When they arrived, the Vanderwiels were greeted by a man who told them the Chevelle was on the side of a garage and Robert, 72, followed to take a look. A third man was found a short time later. “They think that things other than fists were used to strike them”.
At that point the son, who has a concealed pistol license, pulled out a gun and started shooting.
But unbeknown to the would-be robbers, Jon was carrying a revolver, which he drew and fired twice at the suspects, who immediately fled from the scene. Another got two blocks away.
Battle Creek police say two people were shot in the city’s Urbandale neighborhood after apparently trying to rob a father and son they had arranged to meet through Craigslist. Police said one of the alleged attackers later called 911 from a nearby McDonald’s restaurant to say he had been shot. Both of the wounded men were taken to Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo where they are being treated for what police said were not life-threatening injuries.
Battle Creek police are reminding the public to be smart about online safety after a shooting at a meeting over a Craigslist ad. Blocker said police are unsure whether the attackers were armed.
Martens confirmed Thursday that police will not be pursuing any charges against Jon Vanderwiel.
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Palmer said potential buyers should use their best judgement and also avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
