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By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief.
FREE SOIL TWP. — Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield of Manistee has died as a result of being shot in the head Monday evening following what appeared to be a routine traffic stop on North Custer Road near Townline Road, WOOD-TV 8 of Grand Rapids has reported.
Michigan State Police First Lt. Chris McIntire, commander of the Rockford Post said the traffic stop apparently took place at 6:20 p.m. A passerby found Butterfield on the side of the road and called 911 at 6:24 p.m.
From the scene, the trooper’s cruiser appeared to be facing southbound.
Law enforcement and rescue were immediately called to the scene and rendered aid. An investigation also immediately began.
Butterfield, who was in his ’40s, was airlifted from the scene by Aeromed helicopter. He was assigned to the Hart Post, WOOD-TV reported, and had been with MSP for 14 years. He was recently engaged to be married.
“We gained some information on the suspects and were able to locate them at the Dublin General Store on Hoxeyville Road near Wellston in Manistee County about 8:36 p.m.
“Law enforcement made contact with the suspects and there was a gun fight,” McIntire said. One suspect was hit by gunfire and then both, a male and a female, were taken into custody.
MSP is currently investigating on North Custer Road and in Dublin. They were being assisted by Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Manistee County Sheriff’s Office, Oceana County Sheriff’s Office, Ludington Police Department, Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Fountain Area Fire Department.
“We appreciate everything all the agencies involved did,” McIntire said. “These guys just did a great job locking down residences so we could get search warrants.”
McIntire said one of the suspects has been hospitalized but both suspects potentially face charges in both Mason and Manistee counties. Both suspects have been placed under arrest.
More information was expected by late Tuesday morning.
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