Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office responded to an Armed Suspect incident in Leroy Township. At approximately 5:30pm on Monday, October 26th. Deputies from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office responded to execute a search warrant and a probation violation warrant at a residence on Running Deer Ridge in Leroy Township.
The incident stemmed from a domestic situation the previous day involving 35 year old Travis Baker and his parents. Concerns regarding Baker’s behavior and possession of firearms led deputies to the residence to execute the warrants related to a probation violation involving firearms.
During the response the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Special Response Team deployed a drone to assess the situation. As the Special Response Team attempted to enter the residence shots were fired from inside the home. Numerous rounds were fired toward responding law enforcement personnel, striking specialized response vehicles belonging to both the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and Battle Creek Police Department. Two Sheriff’s Office drones were shot down.
Although the residence is located in a rural area, the proximity of neighboring homes raised significant safety concerns due to the potential for stray gunfire. An emergency alert was issued advising residents in the immediate area to shelter in place, remain indoors and stay away from windows and exterior walls. Residents were also provided the option to evacuate.
During the incident, an officer with the Battle Creek Police Department discharged their firearm from a specialized response vehicle. A fire rapidly engulfed the residence, preventing officers from immediately confirming Baker’s condition. Baker was subsequently confirmed deceased.
The immediate threat to the public was resolved Monday evening and the shelter in place advisory was lifted. There is no ongoing threat to neighboring residents related to this incident.
The circumstances surrounding the officer involved shooting and structure fire remain under investigation.
Assisting agencies included the Battle Creek Police Department, Michigan State Police, Albion Department of Public Safety, Marshall Police Department Emmett Township Department of Public Safety, Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority and Calhoun County Probation.
