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MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, Mich. (AP) — A 21-year-old suspect shot and wounded three people, including two students, after a high school basketball game in western Michigan before a sheriff's deputy shot and wounded him, authorities said Wednesday.
The attack happened Tuesday night outside of Muskegon Heights High School after a game between its varsity boys' team and that of Grand Rapids' Ottawa Hills High School. Officers were stationed in the parking lot before the game because they had been warned about the possibility of a dispute, which may have started last week in Grand Rapids, authorities said.
The Muskegon County prosecutor's office said Wednesday that Clarence McCaleb, of Grand Rapids, was arraigned on assault and gun charges after being treated for a gunshot wound. Police say a sheriff's deputy shot McCaleb after McCaleb pointed his gun at the deputy following Tuesday night's attack.
McCaleb is being held on two bonds totaling $500,000. His lawyer, Adam Masserang, didn't immediately respond to a phone message seeking comment.
Chief Assistant Prosecutor Timothy Maat told The Associated Press the police investigation into the shootings continues and additional charges could be filed against McCaleb.
"The suspect is in custody and presents no safety concerns for the public," he said.
Maat said authorities also have taken into custody a friend of McCaleb's they describe as a "material witness" who was with him and saw the shootings.
Muskegon Heights' coach, Dalrecus Stewart, told The Muskegon Chronicle that his players had just left the gymnasium when the shooting started. He said they "heard commotion" as they wrapped up a postgame prayer.
Muskegon Heights' interim police chief, Joseph E. Thomas Jr., said the suspect apparently shot the three victims — two females and a male — near the school and then ran toward the building, where he encountered Deputy Tom Schmidt. Police say the deputy ordered McCaleb to drop his weapon and shot him when he refused and pointed his pistol at Schmidt.
None of the four who were shot appeared to have life-threatening injuries, said Thomas.
Alena Zachery-Ross, the superintendent of the Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System, said in a statement that two victims are Muskegon Heights High School students.
"We are sickened by the acts of violence that occurred outside our school building," Zachery-Ross said.
Muskegon County Sheriff Dean Roesler said it appears the deputy acted within policy and state law.
The district canceled classes Wednesday and crisis teams were being put in place to assist students.
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