Suspect is dead, extent of Trooper's injuries still unknown
SAGINAW -- Michigan State Police Command Center in Lansing confirms a Trooper was shot and injured during an exchange of gunfire with a suspect during a traffic stop in Saginaw early this morning.
State Police say it happened shortly after 2:00 a.m. when troopers stopped the suspect's vehicle at the intersection of Fulton and Bagley.
Investigators say two troopers appraoched the car. 24-year old Keonte Amerson, stepped out of the car and an altercation ensued.
Officers say the Amerson pulled out a gun and began firing at one of the troopers hitting him in the neck and arm. The trooper fired back and Amerson was killed.
The injured trooper, an 11-year veteran of the force, was taken to the hospital by his partner. At last check the trooper was listed in stable condition.
About two hours later, another shooting was reported. Saginaw Police say a man was riding his bike in the 600 block of Webster when he was shot several times.
Residents in the area say they are outraged. They say even though crime has gone down in recent years, last night's round of violence just proves the city still has a long way to go.
"It angers me. It hurts. It hurts. It keeps hitting closer to home," said Saginaw resident Linda McClendon.
Pastor Larry Camel, who has made it his mission to end violence in the city with his group Parishioners on Patrol, says he's sadden by last night's round of violence.
Camel says his group and the city can only do so much. He says today's young generation needs to be the target for change.
"They are learning bad behavior somewhere and we got to stop looking outside the home and start looking inside the home," said Camel.
