KALKASKA COUNTY, Mich. — A Big Rapids man is in critical condition following a crash involving a Lenco Bearcat armored vehicle from the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office, responding to a barricaded gunman report in Bear Lake on Monday, September 1.
The incident occurred around 6 a.m. at the intersection of US-131 and M-72. The eastbound Bearcat, driven by a Grand Traverse County deputy, collided with the driver's side of a northbound Hyundai Tucson operated by the Big Rapids man. Both vehicles came to rest in the intersection.
Rescue crews from the Kalkaska Township Fire Department and Kalkaska County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene. The Hyundai's front seat passenger sustained minor injuries. Both individuals were transported to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City by Kalkaska EMS.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, according to the Kalkaska County Sheriff's Office.
In an unrelated incident, authorities apprehended a 35-year-old man in Bear Lake Township for allegedly firing a weapon at a group of eight ORV riders earlier the same day. Witnesses reported that the suspect discharged 25 to 30 rounds from his home. Following the gunfire reports, deputies secured arrest and search warrants, apprehending the man with the assistance of the Northern Michigan Mutual Aid Emergency Response Team. Multiple firearms were seized during the search.
The investigation is ongoing, with a report to be submitted to the Kalkaska County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Responding agencies included the Kalkaska County Sheriff's Office, Kalkaska EMS, and local emergency response teams.