In an update this morning, Benton Township Police say that 38 year old Willie Lark Jr. of Benton Harbor has been arrested out of state on unrelated charges to the investigation they are continuing regarding a Benton Harbor woman who is missing and may have been shot at a Benton Township residence. Detective Lt. Michael DenDooven reports this morning that Lark was arrested yesterday and will be returned to Michigan pending the status of his out of state charges including a parole violation of the Michigan Department of Corrections.
Below is the original story posted earlier this month, and DenDooven says his department is still searching for the whereabouts and well-being of Jessica Gray. They ask for anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers.
Benton Township Police Detective Michael DenDooven is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing Benton Harbor woman who may have been shot and in need of medical attention.
DenDooven says his department is investigating incidents surrounding the disappearance of 30-year old Jessica Gray of Benton Harbor, shown in the photo accompanying this story on Moody on the Market.
She has been missing and unheard from since around 8pm on Sunday evening, December 1st, and authorities fear she may have been shot.
Police were called out around 1:15 in the morning on Monday, December 2nd, to 308 1/2 S. Crystal Avenue in Benton Harbor after being asked to check on the welfare of the man who lived there, 38 year old Willie Lark Jr.
When police arrived at that address, they contacted a member of Lark’s family who reported that they had found the front door open and suspected blood in the doorway. Upon further investigation, DenDooven says his department found live ammunition and spent shell casings in the home on S. Crystal. Willie Lark Jr was not there, and has also not been located at this time.
Police Evidence Technicians from Benton Township processed the S. Crystal address as a crime scene.
Police were also contacted by the family of Jessica Gray after being told that she had been at the S. Crystal address on Monday morning and may have been shot. She has not been seen since 8pm Sunday night, and has officially been listed as a missing person who is potentially endangered and in need of medical attention.
Neither Willie Lark Jr. or Jessica Gray have been located, and the Benton Township Police Department is asking anyone with information to contact the Benton Township Police Department Detective Bureau (269) 925-1135 or Crime Stoppers (574) 288-STOP.
