merritt

*** UPDATE 12/16/18 ***

On December 16th at 1:20 PM Berrien County 911 received a call reporting a disturbance occurring between at least two individuals in the area of 1628 Florence, Niles Township.

Deputies with the Sheriff’s Road Patrol and Niles Township Patrol responded to the scene. It was determined that the 21 year-old male from the incident of 12/14/18 was once again barricaded inside his residence.

The exterior of the residence was secured; and, after a short time, Deputies were able to negotiate the suspect’s surrender.

The 21 year-old Niles, MI resident was ultimately lodged at the Berrien County Jail on the aforementioned charges, stemming from the incident on 12/14/18.

Deputies were assisted at the scene by Troopers from the Michigan State Police.

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On 12-14-18 at 1:42 pm Berrien County Sheriff Office Niles Township responded to a assault at 1628 Florence Ave. Deputies on scene made contact with two occupants of the residence that advised they had been threatened by a 21 year old male with a Knife .

The 21year old suspect (no name released) was also a resident of 1628 Florence.

Deputies were advised that the suspect had locked the doors to the residence and barricaded himself inside.

Members of the Berrien County Tactical Response Unit and the Berrien County Hostage negotiator team attempted to make contact with the suspect to exit the residence.

Berrien County Sheriff Office did make entry into the residence and found that the suspect had fled the residence prior to Deputies arrival.

Merritt Elementary school was also placed on lock down during this incident.

This Incident will be sent to the Berrien County Prosecutor office for the following charges.

  • Assault with dangerous weapon
  • Unlawful imprisonment
  • Interfering with communications
  • Possession of controlled substance