Michigan State Trooper Shot In Head, Dies In Surgery

A Michigan State trooper was shot in the head and died in surgery on Monday.

Trooper Paul Butterfield was killed during a routine traffic stop after stopping a vehicle around 6:20 pm.

The incident occurred on Custer Road near Townline Road in Mason County.

A passing motorist found the police officer and called 911 to report the officers gunshot wound to the head.

Emergency workers airlifted Butterfield to Munson Hospital where he passed away during emergency surgery.

The state trooper was shot after he had provided dispatch with some information about the suspect. Police were able to tie that information to other incidents in the area and hunt down two suspects at a gas station in Wellston in Manistee County.

Once discovered, the two suspects engaged gunfire with officers, and one of the suspects was shot.

The two suspects, a man and women, were taking into custody. The man was first taken to a local hospital where he was treated for his gunshot wound.

Following the state troopers shooting Michigan Governor Rick Snyder said his death was a “loss for the entire state.”

Governor Snyder released the following statement:

“Our hearts break when a Michigan State Police trooper, or any of our other police officers or firefighters, is killed in the line of duty. Their loss is unquestionably felt by their families as well as the communities they serve and our entire state. We realize the extraordinary difficulty of their jobs and the sacrifices they make for us. This senseless incident is a grim reminder that our brave public safety officers put their lives on the line every day when they go to work protecting Michiganders. They are heroes.”

No further information has been released since the state trooper was shot.