Shots fired into a Benton Township home

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- A drive-by shooting in Benton Harbor leaves a homeowner uneasy.

Sunday around 10:30 p.m. on the corner of Colfax and Clardelle Ave, a suspect inside a dark-colored vehicle shot several times into the front of James Watson’s home.

According to police, Watson was walking to his bedroom from the kitchen when the shots were fired. Watson called Police and when they arrived they discovered multiple bullet holes to the front of his home, leaving the property damaged. 

Watson was not injured. 

ABC57 spoke with Watson; he didn’t want to be on camera but told us that it has to be mistaken identity. He says all he does is go to work, go home and does not have any enemies.

We spoke to a few neighbors who live just houses down from Watson; they tell ABC 57 that this never happens in this area.

A neighbor who didn’t want to be named for safety reasons said he thought the shots were from the TV until he received a phone call from across the street.

“My cousin across the street called me and said you know they shot up Brother Watson house,” the neighbor said.

He said shootings like this never happen and it really shocked him when he found out it happened at Watson’s home.

“This area is very quiet you know and when I see something like this it's mind-boggling,” the neighbor said.

Brian Morris, who lives two houses away, also heard the shots Sunday night. He said he thought they were fireworks.

”All of a sudden I heard a bunch of shots, I thought I counted 15 to 20 shots,” Morris said.

When Morris realized what they were, he looked out his window and saw the vehicle the suspect fled in.

“When I looked up, I looked out the window and saw a car, I saw the tail lights and that was it,” Morris said.

Even though shootings happen everywhere, Morris said to have it happen so close to home on this quiet street it never happens.

“I hear gunshots probably in other areas, but nothing like this,” Morris said.

If you know anything or have any information you are asked to contacted Benton Harbor Police at 269-925-1135 or Crime Stoppers 574-288-STOP.