The Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office released information on a “large shooting scene” in the parking lot of an off-campus apartment complex at 3 a.m. Saturday morning.
When deputies responded to the scene, they reported seeing more than 40 casings from multiple caliber handguns.
It is known that the apartment complex is near Ferris’ campus, but the exact address was also not released.
Multiple cars and apartments were damaged. One 21-year-old woman was shot in the leg and transported to Corewell Health – Big Rapids Emergency Department via Mecosta County EMS for treatment.
The victim, whose identity has not yet been confirmed to public news outlets, was released with non-life threatening injuries after treatment.
The Big Rapids Pioneer reports that one of the three current suspects was arrested after a series of interviews on Sunday. The interviews revealed information that led the deputies to obtaining an arrest warrant and a search warrant for the suspect’s vehicle and residency. The suspect’s identity is also still unknown.
At the time of writing, the suspect is currently in custody and set to be formally arraigned at Mecosta County Jail in the 77th District Court.
Deputies were aided by Big Rapids Department of Public Safety, Ferris State DPS, Mecosta County EMS and Meceola Central Dispatch on scene. Because the investigation is still ongoing, DPS has no further information to share on the shooting.
At 11:31 a.m. on Saturday, all students received an email from the Dean of Student Life titled Student Safety. It acknowledged an “off campus incident” that occurred early in morning, and reminded students that students’ safety is the university’s “highest priority.” The following is a list of advice for students included in the email:
- Pay attention to your surroundings and situations at all times.
- Make smart choices about friends and people you surround yourself with, and good decisions about where you’re going and when you’re going.
- Have a game plan when you’re going out that is centered on your well-being and ensuring you return home safely.
- Maintain an awareness of available on-campus and off-campus safety resources.
- If you see suspicious activity, report it.
There is no further information from the university about the event at the time of writing. The Torch will continue coverage on this story as the investigation continues.
The Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to assist by sharing any information they may have on the identity of the remaining suspected shooters. Information can be sent to tips@nullmecostasheriff.org or directly to the office at (231)592-0150.