Suspect dead, MSP officer in serious condition after shooting

BRANCH COUNTY, Mich. -- Two members of the Michigan State Police were shot while serving a search warrant Wednesday morning.

Detective Sergeant Aaron Steensma and Trooper Daniel Thayer were serving a search warrant in a cold case investigation in rural Branch County.

The officers announced their presence before making entry to the residence on Francisco Road in Union Township.

The suspect allegedly shot at the officers using a long gun.

D/S Steensma was shot in the chest. Trooper Thayer was shot in the hand.

D/S Steensma was transported to the hospital and is in serious but stable condition. Thayer did not seek medical attention.

“Thanks to the quick actions of troopers at the scene and the excellent medical attention he received from ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital, West Michigan Air Care, and the trauma team at Borgess Medical Center, D/Sergeant Steensma is doing remarkably well for the seriousness of his injury,” Michigan State Police (MSP) Director Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue stated in a press release.

The suspect is deceased, according to MSP.