By Paul Garrod
Staff Writer
PAW PAW TWP. – Authorities are investigating a shooting Saturday, Dec. 16, in Paw Paw Township that injured two Van Buren County residents, according to a press release from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.
Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel E Abbott reported that Van Buren County Sheriff’s officers were notified at approximately 10:30 p.m. that a 27-year-old male from the South Haven area arrived at Bronson Lake View Hospital, Paw Paw, with two gunshot wounds, one to his back and the other to his hip. The male was later transported to Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo, for treatment.
While officers were investigating the shooting, Lakeland Hospital, Watervliet advised that a 31-year-old male from Covert had arrived at their hospital with two gunshot wounds as well. During the ensuing investigation, investigating officers were able to ascertain that the two incidents were related. Investigators determined that this incident happened in Paw Paw Township and was believed to be an isolated incident.
Investigators are still working to determine a motive and to identify possible suspects.
Assisting agencies included the Paw Paw Police Department, Van Buren Emergency Medical Services, Pokagon Tribal Police, Covert Township Police, and Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau.