An otherwise relatively quiet dinner hour along M-139 was punctuated by gunfire when either a robbery attempt, an argument or some other form of confrontation erupted at the Metro PCS by T-Mobile store next door to the Benton Harbor Subway, leaving one man seriously injured and another on the run before he was caught running through fields behind the store.
Detective/Sgt. Tyler Tiefenbach of the Benton Charter Township Police Department reports that Berrien County Central dispatchers issued a call regarding shooting taking place at the mobile phone shop at 2004 S. M-139 around 5:47pm on Wednesday night, February 3rd.
Tiefenbach says that upon arrival, officers located a 40 year old Sodus man who had been shot and sustained multiple injuries. Officers were also told that the gunman, a 35 year old Benton Harbor man, was running northbound in the fields behind other businesses. Following a short chase on foot and a brief struggle, officers were able to apprehend the man.
The shooting victim was taken to Spectrum Health Lakeland by Medic 1 Ambulance, where he was receiving treatment for serious injuries. Meanwhile, the suspected gunman was taken to the Berrien County Jail where he is being charged with a count of assault with intent to murder, along with numerous other charges.
Tiefenbach says there is no further information available on the case at this time, but is asking that anyone with information please contact the Benton Township Police Department at (269) 925-1135 or Crime Stoppers at (574) 288-STOP.
