"We had several shootings tonight in the county and in the city of Kalamazoo. They all appear to be related. We have multiple people dead," Kalamazoo County Undersheriff Paul Matyas told 24 Hour News 8.
News release from police chief on the #KalamazooShooting by way of Mayor Hopewell. #Kalamazoo pic.twitter.com/NeORruoWGeโ LJ Michelle (@ajourneyeast) February 21, 2016
Four people were killed at a Cracker Barrel restaurant, while 2 were killed at Seelye Ford car dealership. At least three people have been injured in the ongoing series of incidents, Matyas told FOX 17.
ACTIVE SHOOTER: Seventh Person Died In The #Kalamazoo Shooting Spree | https://t.co/zfhr8Qijkv pic.twitter.com/CQ0tPQ9VnF โ Lead Stories (@LeadStoriesCom) February 21, 2016
Jason Dalton #Kalamazoo #Kalamazooshooting pic.twitter.com/uF2A2V7iir โ Rex Sakamoto (@Rexamoto) February 21, 2016
A 9-year-old child is in critical condition, local media reported.
"We have somebody who is just driving around finding people and shooting them dead in their tracks," the officer added.
Shots fired at a 4th location. No word on if it is connected to previous shootings. Location: OP Ave pic.twitter.com/HZdFAYIU6B โ Ellen Bacca (@ellenbacca) February 21, 2016
Matyas told NBC News that police seem "to be dealing with a worst case scenario." "These are random murders," Matyas said.
Authorities confirmed to the channel that they do not have a suspect in custody at this time.
Matyas said that the suspect was driving a blue Chevy HHR, while reports claimed that the shooter is driving in a light-colored GM-make SUV.
Nearly an hour after the deadly incident, police reported more shooting at OP Avenue and 6th Street in Texas Township in Kalamazoo.
The suspect is believed to have been a white male in his 50s. Deputies are asking anyone with information to call the Kalamazoo Sheriff Department.
Later, the local Police Chief confirmed to Newschannel 3 that "a strong suspect" in the shootings is currently in custody.
"Possible suspect apprehended without incident in downtown Kalamazoo, based on fitting the description," Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety wrote on Facebook, adding the authorities are "continuing the investigation to confirm if the correct person is in custody."
Police found weapons in the suspect's vehicle and the man did not resist when approached by officers, Matyas said. Police said the arrested suspect is 45 years
"The threat to the public is over,'' he added.
Local news identified the suspect as Jason Dalton, adding that police are currently searching his home.
BREAKING: The shooting (1 of 3) at car dealership in Kalamazoo was a father & son.. completely random. Horrible. pic.twitter.com/a39IMjx0Cp โ Blake Harms (@hvillewxman) February 21, 2016
I wonder if this was another example of a "Greenbaumed" individual being set loose for a particular purpose. In this case, a deflection of attention from the Flint water scandal- which has had even more people as of late calling for the governor's arrest. I could be wrong, of course, but the timing of this sure is convenient for that purpose.
If you like to read the latest, the most complete account with updates I've found so far is www.mlive.com.