Officer placed on leave after shooting reckless driver, 1 person arrested

BENTON HARBOR, Michigan – A woman is in custody following a police-involved shooting in Benton Harbor early Saturday morning.

According to the Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety (BHDPS), the incident occurred before 4 a.m. in the 400 block of Vineyard Avenue.

We're told that a police officer was patrolling the area when a Chevrolet Malibu traveling east braked, then turned around and accelerated and drove into a crowd of people. Two people were sideswiped, then the car plowed into the officer and a group of bystanders.

According to BHDPS, the officer was between the car and his patrol car when the car accelerated toward him. The officer fired at the car, striking the driver's right hand. She was later escorted from the vehicle and treated at the scene. She was then transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment before being booked into the Berrien County Jail.

Public safety officials have since identified the driver as an 18-year-old from Benton Harbor. A love triangle is believed to have led to the unrest prior to the shooting.

According to BHDPS, the officer has been placed on leave while Michigan State Police (MSP) investigates the incident.

The department thanks the Berrien County Sheriff's Office, St. Joseph Department of Public Safety and Benton Township Police Department for their assistance.

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