A sheriff says a prisoner was being moved at a western MI courthouse when he disarmed an officer and shot and killed two bailiffs.
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The gunman was an inmate, Michigan Live reported Monday, who was himself was shot and killed by return fire from security officers at the courthouse.
According to Michigan State Police records, Gordan was in jail on two counts of criminal sexual conduct.
Kienzle was a former police sergeant and had worked for the courts since 2005.
“Our hearts are torn apart. They were our colleagues”. “I don’t know what you could do about it”, Davis said.
Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey speaking to media.
Bailey said certain details surrounding the shooting remained unclear, including whether the inmate was handcuffed at the time. The injured deputy was identified as James Atterberry, Jr., 41.
Sheriff Bailey has also identified three of the four shooting victims. Her name and condition weren’t immediately provided.
An undated courtesy photo of Kenya Ellis.
Authorities say Gordon was being taken from a holding cell to a court hearing when he grabbed a deputy’s gun during a scuffle.
Bailey said the inmate wounded the deputy before shooting and killing Zangaro and Kienzle. Bailey is adamant that law enforcement had no other choice but to end the shooter’s life, as he was trying to escape and, should he have been successful, it was possible he could have hurt or killed even more people. However, the sheriff added that Gordon had never been combative while in custody before and described him as cooperative.
He drew parallels between the heroism of the bailiffs and members of the Dallas Police Department, who braved gunfire to protect protesters during last Thursday night’s shooting “without thinking of own personal safety”.
Snyder called it a “terrible day in a wonderful community”.
“This is a particularly tough time for law enforcement so I ask that everyone reach out and try to be as supportive of law enforcement across the state and across the country as possible”, Governor Snyder said. St. Joe & Benton Harbor, please know that all of MI stands with you.
Bailey said a civilian was shot in the arm and was taken to a nearby hospital. Counselors will be on hand to help those who are grieving, he said.
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“We need prayers and the families need your prayers especially”, he told reporters. We’re strong and we’re going to move forward.
