Benton Harbor Director of Public Safety Dan McGinnis says that his department does not think that a shooting early this morning in the city has any tie to the murder of a solider home on leave on New Years Eve, but they are asking for the public’s help in tracking down the gunman in that second shooting.
McGinnis says that early today, Tuesday, January 1, 2019, his Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety responded to a shooting at 161 Apple Street in the city, apparently the site of a New Years Eve house party.
Upon officers’ arrival to the scene, they located a man who appeared to be suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The man was identified as 35 year-old James Parker Hersey. Hersey was rushed to Spectrum Health Lakeland Medical Center by Medic One Ambulance where he was immediately prepped for surgery.
Officers learned that the shooting was the result of an argument between Hersey and another unidentified man. During the argument and confrontation, the unidentified man then shot Hersey before leaving the scene. He was gone by the time police arrived.
McGinnis tells us, “This case does not appear to be related to the shooting in St. Joseph Township.” Details of that shooting can be found at the link below:
https://www.moodyonthemarket.com/soldier-home-on-leave-killed-in-st-joseph-township-new-years-eve/
The house party shooting case is still under investigation, and McGinnis’ department is looking for the identity of the shooter and other witnesses.
He asks anyone who might have any information related to the incident, to please contact the BHDPS Tip Line at 269-927-0293 or you can call Crime stoppers. Tipsters may remain anonymous if desired.
