BENTON HARBOR, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Wednesday, the Michigan State Police (MSP) released updated figures of arrests as a result of an ongoing partnership between MSP and Benton Harbor Police.
MICH. Since 2015, Benton Harbor has been a part of Michigan’s Secure Cities Partnership (SCP), which is an initiative developed in 2012 by MSP to address crime using community engagement.
In April, the SCP in Benton Harbor was joined by the newly established MSP Fifth District Crime Prevention Squad (DCPS).
The DCPS is staffed by troopers from each of the district’s four posts. The primary purpose of the DCPS is to focus on reducing violent crime and establish positive police and community relationships within the city of Benton Harbor and other communities.
During weeks five, six, and seven, or May 19 – June 4, DCPS troopers confiscated four firearms resulting in the arrest of three suspects.
During this same period, a suspect was arrested for possession of crack-cocaine and fentanyl.
The squad also assisted Benton Township Police Department with a fatal shooting investigation and Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety with a non-fatal shooting with no injuries, but a vehicle was damaged.
Over the course of the last three weeks, multiple suspects were taken into custody for various warrants and original charges.
Arrests were made for the following:
- One – resisting & obstructing officer (felony)
- One – flee & eluding (felony)
- One – carry concealed weapon & possession of cocaine and fentanyl (felony)
- Two – carrying concealed weapon (felony)
- Five – felony warrants satisfied, including one each for aggravated assault and domestic violence, two for carrying concealed weapon, and one for felony warrant (unknown)
- Six – misdemeanor warrants satisfied
Community engagement efforts during this period included attending multiple little league baseball games on Saturday May 29 at Union Field. Troopers helped clean up the park, provided lunch to the players and their families, and helped coach during the games.
Sponsors of the lunch and event were Benton Harbor High School Alumni Class of 1992 and the Benton Harbor Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
