Brownstown man who reported suspicious car is accused of shooting at its occupants

BROWNSTOWN, Michigan (FOX 2) – In a bizarre turn of events, a man first called 911 to report a suspicious vehicle in front of his home – only to have another 911 call made a few minutes later by the occupants of the same vehicle reporting that they were under fire.

The man who made the first 911 call allegedly began shooting near four men and two women on West Jefferson Avenue early Tuesday morning.

The victims were out night fishing near a rural road in Brownstown Township when their car broke down in front of the suspect's home around 4 a.m. They set out on foot to look for help.

The suspect, a 44-year-old Brownstown man, began yelling at the victims while brandishing a short-barreled rifle as they attempted to have their vehicle towed, according to Brownstown police. The man then shot at them, causing the victims to seek cover behind their own car and another vehicle that had helped them get towed.

Ken Hurst, who has lived in the neighborhood for more than 40 years, said he witnessed the incident and had never seen anything like it.

“It’s crazy out there,” he told FOX 2.

Brownstown Police Chief Jeff Watson said the man was told to stay home when he called to report a suspicious vehicle, but he did not do so.

“It makes no sense to me,” Watson said. “This gentleman was in his home. He had already called 911. Help was on the way.”

A lone officer on duty in the area arrived at the scene and directed the group of victims away from the shooting.

The incident then escalated into a standoff with the police.

The suspect had his son at his home when he refused to cooperate with officers, police said. The standoff lasted about an hour and a half.

“After enough persuasion, he finally changed his mind and came out,” Watson said.

The suspect was arrested. No one was injured in the shooting or the confrontation with police.

“I would never have done something like that,” Hurst said. “I would have asked if they needed help.”

No formal charges have been filed against the suspect, but authorities indicate charges will be filed soon.