GAINES TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A Kent County neighborhood is in shock after a deputy was shot in the hand while investigating a man’s death in Gaines Township.
The sheriff says they were called to a home on Sunbrook Drive to check on a person Thursday afternoon. Deputies found a man dead inside the home.
“Upon arriving on scene, they found a deceased man in the home and began an investigation,” says Kent County Sheriff Michelle Lajoye-Young.
The sheriff says an 18-year-old man drove up near the home. When deputies went to talk to him, they noticed a rifle, and during a struggle over the weapon, they say a deputy was shot in the hand.
“As the sheriff, I get a call like this … my heart about stopped for a second,” says Lajoye-Young. “I’m very blessed that this deputy is okay. I’m glad that they were able to take him into custody without further injury to anybody.”
As the investigation continues, neighbors there say they're thankful nobody else was hurt.
“My daughter was at school,” says one neighbor, “and you know, when I heard that gunshot, you know, I’m happy that she's safe and all the other children that's in this area are safe. But you just never know when things like this happen. Biggest thing that we do is pray. Pray for the neighborhood.”
At this time, officials haven't released names or any information on whether the teen and man inside the home knew each other.
The teen is in custody with charges pending.
