OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. — An Ottawa County couple was seriously injured Thursday morning in a domestic incident near Allendale.
Deputies say the incident happened around 9 a.m. at a home in Robinson Township. Neighbors who called 911 reportedly saw a man in his front yard shooting at people in the house, including his partner and children that were in the home.
The woman, 34, was shot at least twice, according to investigators. In an effort to protect the woman and other children, a 16-year-old boy in the home stabbed the man in the upper torso.
The couple was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
Deputies say they are unable to provide specific details on the relationship status between the man and woman.
Investigators say there were five children in the home at the time of the incident. None of them were hurt.
The incident started following a "domestic argument," according to investigators. Deputies are calling it a "chaotic scene," saying there were many people at the home when deputies arrived and that the investigation is currently underway.
“When you have a situation like this and you have that many people involved, it can be difficult. They're all either suspects, victims or witnesses," said Captain Jake Sparks. "And so our job is to try to figure out which is which, while still being concerned with the welfare of those children and the welfare of those people who are injured.”
No suspects are outstanding at this time, according to investigators.
The incident happened near Ottawa Area Center School, which is part of the Ottawa ISD. The school was placed on lockdown out of caution. Amy Busse, senior communications specialist with Ottawa ISD, sent this statement to parents following the lockdown:
"I am writing to inform you about an incident that occurred this morning near Ottawa Area Center. Law enforcement reported shots were fired nearby, but not on school grounds. We want to assure you that this incident did not involve any of our staff or students.
In response to this situation, our facility was immediately placed in Secure mode to ensure the safety of everyone inside (and to bring inside anyone who was not already there). I am pleased to inform you that all students and staff are safe, and there have been no injuries.
The suspect is in custody, and there is no ongoing threat. Law enforcement deputies are currently on-site at OAC, actively investigating the situation.
Our staff is diligently following all established safety protocols to maintain a secure environment.
We understand that such incidents can be alarming, and we want to assure you that the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We will continue to keep you informed as more information becomes available."
Students have been sent home for the remainder of the day to allow them to be with their families.
Deputies say the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office has specialists trained to interview children that witnessed traumatic events. Those specialists were called to the home to speak with the children.
The children have since been reunited with family.
"Right now our main focus is the children who were involved in this and saw something very traumatic with their parents, and also those with grievous injuries," said Sparks.
The man will be lodged at the Ottawa County Jail on charges related to this incident once he is released from the hospital.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office or Silent Observer at 1-877-88-SILENT (745368) or mosotips.com.
This is a developing news story. Please check back later for updates.
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