Early Sunday morning, a quiet neighborhood in Battle Creek turned into a scene of danger when three teenagers allegedly tried to steal a vehicle and opened fire on a resident who confronted them.
Three juveniles are now in custody after the incident at Arbor Pointe Drive near Jackson Street West around 1:45 a.m., according to the Battle Creek Police Department.
A resident who stepped up to defend their property told police they were shot at four times but were not struck. Four shell casings were found at the scene after officers completed their initial investigation.
While detectives examined the area, they discovered additional evidence showing that suspects had tried to enter or steal multiple vehicles throughout the neighborhood.
Juveniles Caught After K-9 Search
The suspects appeared to be hiding nearby, prompting additional 911 calls from residents in the area. Police used a K-9 unit to track the three boys down near 20th Street and Michigan Avenue.
All three were taken to the Calhoun County Juvenile Home. The group includes:
- One 17-year-old boy
- Two 16-year-old boys
Police are submitting charges for larceny from a vehicle and aggravated felonious assault to the prosecutor's office.
Community on Alert
The victim identified the juveniles as the individuals involved in the incident. Police said the Sunday morning incident appears to have been isolated and do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public.
The story highlights the growing concern among residents about juvenile crime in Battle Creek neighborhoods.
Another Incident Earlier This Month
Just two days prior, a different juvenile faced charges after crashing a vehicle into an occupied home in the 100 block of Post Avenue around 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 4. That incident also led to police charges being filed.
Police Responding to Rising Concerns
The Battle Creek Police Department has been working to address these incidents as part of broader efforts to combat juvenile crime in the area. The department continues to coordinate with juvenile services to ensure accountability for these incidents.