An armed robbery confrontation at the Briarwood Apartment complex on Union Avenue in Benton Township shortly before midnight Wednesday night has left one man dead and another injured, with Benton Township Police Detectives asking the public for help in identifying those responsible for the attack.
Detective Lt. Michael DenDooven with the Benton Township Police says that at 11:38pm Wednesday night his department was dispatched to the Briarwood complex regarding a shooting. Upon arrival, Police found 18 year old James Parker-Hersey of Benton Harbor suffering from a gunshot wound to his left hip. Medic 1 arrived on the scene at 1885 Union Avenue and began treating him before taking him to Spectrum Health Lakeland where he was admitted into surgery.
DenDooven says that 20-year old Miquan Davis of Benton Township was a passenger in a vehicle at the scene who had been shot in the chest, and subsequently taken to Spectrum Health Lakeland by the driver of that vehicle. Hospital officials administered life-saving measures which were eventually exhausted and Davis was pronounced dead at the emergency room.
DenDooven says witnesses to the events said it was an armed robbery, resulting in several gunshots being fired hitting Parker-Hersey and Davis. They say the shooters ran from the robbery on foot to a black, 4-door sedan waiting on Union, and then drove into the night. The two are described as a man wearing a gray hoodie, armed with a long gun and another wearing all black clothing with an unknown weapon who escaped in the sedan.
Parker-Hersey told investigators he was standing outside, heard gunfire and then realized he had been shot in the hip.
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department Evidence Technician Unit assisted Benton Township Police in processing the crime scene, however the Benton Township Police have not located the shooters at this time, and say no further information is available. They are asking that anyone with information contact the Benton Township Police Department Detective Bureau (269) 925-1135 or Crime Stoppers (574) 288-STOP at their earliest opportunity.
