ALLENDALE, Mich. — Deputies in Ottawa County are investigating an overnight shooting in Allendale that hurt four people, including two Grand Valley State University students.
All of the victims are expected to survive.
No one has been arrested.
According to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, around 2:20 a.m., deputies began to respond to a report of a loud party in the area of the Canvas Townhomes, an off-campus student housing complex, which is roughly 0.6 miles away from GVSU.
Shortly thereafter, dispatchers received additional reports of gunshots fired in the area.
When deputies and medical responders arrived, they discovered a person with a gunshot wound and started providing treatment.
While doing so, OCSO spotted a vehicle that was suspected in the incident. Deputies stopped it, and several people were detained for questioning. Evidence was also gathered.
Investigators say three other people showed up at area hospitals with gunshot wounds for treatment.
One of the four remained hospitalized in stable condition as of Sunday morning. The rest were released after they received care.
All of the victims were men between the ages of 18 and 20 years old.
Jake Laidlaw, a GVSU junior, said he was at a separate party with friends when he went outside for some fresh air, and noticed what was going on.
“I walked over there just to see if it was getting shut down or what, and these two people were fighting with each other. Just lots of noise,” said Laidlaw. “The guy was yelling at his friend to get back inside and then before I know it, he just pulls out a gun and starts firing.”
Laidlaw says as the crowd recognized what was going on. Someone pushed him to the ground where he remained until the gunshots stopped.
“It wasn’t really fear in the moment,” said Laidlaw. “Your instincts kind of take over and you’re just kind of numb in the moment.”
A man who came to the door of the townhome in question declined to speak to FOX 17.
According to police reports from OCSO, deputies investigated a shots fired complaint within the complex two weeks ago. Another incident was investigated in May 2021.
In September 2021, deputies responded to an armed robbery at Canvas Townhomes. Investigators say someone held a 19-year-old at gun point and demanded the victim to give up his personal items.
GVSU says it has sent six safety alerts because of nearby criminal incidents since students moved in this fall.
GVSU police chief Brandon DeHaan issued the following to all students, faculty, and staff members Sunday afternoon:
"The Grand Valley State University Police Department is cooperating with the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office investigation following shootings that occurred at the Canvas Apartments in Allendale Township in the early morning hours of September 18. The Sheriff’s Office is reporting that three victims were treated and released, while one remains in the hospital in stable condition. Two of the victims were GVSU students. While no arrests have been made at this time, the Sheriff’s Office reported that there is no ongoing or continuing threat to the public, students or staff at this time.
"This latest incident is added to the increased level of violence, some involving weapons, that we are seeing near our campuses and within cities around the country. No area is immune from crime, and it is my duty as the director of public safety to inform members of our community of these events, so they can exercise caution and good judgment in the hopes of avoiding being involved in acts of violence.
"The university is working with the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Grand Rapids and other law enforcement agencies to curtail the violence and protect our community. We are also working with the owners and managers of the off-campus apartments that surround our Allendale Campus. We meet regularly and this issue is at the top of our agenda.
"It is important to note that these incidents are all happening between midnight and 5 a.m. We encourage people to exercise caution if they need to be out in the early morning hours.
"Here are some general safety tips to follow:
• At the first sign of danger, or if you see suspicious activity call 911.
• Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
• If you see someone who could be in trouble, speak up or call authorities.
• Anyone with information about the shootings overnight should call the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office at 616-738-4000 or Silent Observer at 877-887-4536 (877-88-SILENT).
"University staff are reaching out and providing support to those students impacted directly or indirectly by the incident. The CARE Team (Coordination, Assistance, Response, and Education) is a team of staff who support all students through challenges they may experience during their time at GVSU. Please complete a CARE Referral if you are a student in need of support, know a student who needs support, or are generally concerned about a student. https://www.gvsu.edu/care/"
University officials declined interview requests to speak about the incident and larger crime trends in the area.
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