Trooper Paul Butterfield of the Michigan State Police was fatally shot when he stopped a motorist for a routine license check. The officer was shot in the head on a road near Ludington at 6.20 pm on Monday. Butterfield was rushed to Munson Medical Center but died during an emergency operation.
The police reported that during the arrest there was an exchange of fire with the two suspects, a man and a woman, who are now in custody. The arrest took place at a gas station in Wellston, and the male suspect was taken to hospital with non- life threatening wounds.
In honor of Trooper Butterfield, officers are wearing black tape over their badges. Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, the director of the Michigan State Police said: “Tonight we lost a hero. The entire MSP family, as well as our greater law enforcement family, mourns alongside the Butterfields. Trooper Butterfield’s sacrifice will never be forgotten; may he rest in peace.”
Other high ranking officials also released official statements today. This is what Gov. Snyder had to say about the killing :
“We thank Trooper Butterfield for his bravery, his service and his sacrifice. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, friends, and colleagues.””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. 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. A tragic event like this shakes us all, but it also bolsters our resolve to make our streets and our neighborhoods safer.”
The Attorney General, Bill Schuette also released a statement in which he talked about the sacrifice made by Paul Butterfield:
“Trooper Paul Butterfield made the ultimate sacrifice in serving our state. The People of Michigan are privileged to have brave men and women like Trooper Butterfield who ensure the safety of our communities. My wife Cynthia and I extend our deepest sympathies to Trooper Butterfield’s family, friends and colleagues. They are all in our prayers on this difficult day.”
Fortunately, the State Trooper was able to relay the location of his whereabouts before his was shot, which enabled the police to catch up with the suspects and arrest them. The circumstances which led up to the fatal shooting of Trooper Butterfield are not yet clear. Local police authorities have opened a full investigation into the shooting and will release their findings in the coming weeks.
