Altercation and Medical Emergency Under Investigation in Pennfield Township

On Sunday, July 6, 2025, at approximately 11:37 a.m., Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a shots fired call in the 21000 block of North Avenue in Pennfield Township. The caller reported that two adult males were involved in a physical altercation and that one of them had fired a gun at the other. Other family members, including children and an individual confined to a bed, had locked themselves in a bedroom for safety.

Upon arrival at the scene, deputies found a 35-year-old man from Kalamazoo in the driveway and attempted to gather additional information. He was placed in a patrol vehicle while deputies assessed whether anyone had been shot, and they determined the identity and location of the shooter. The scene was quickly secured to ensure the safety of the children and others present.

While in the patrol car, the man began to experience a medical emergency. First aid was administered immediately, and paramedics and firefighters assisted in his care; however, he was pronounced dead at the scene. It was determined that he was involved in the physical altercation and the firearm was discharged at him.

A 45-year-old man from Battle Creek was taken into custody for firing the weapon, but fortunately, no one was hit when it was discharged. Detectives from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office are continuing to investigate the shooting, with assistance from the Michigan State Police. The cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner’s office, and it is currently unknown if the physical altercation was a contributing factor.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Detective Jon Pignataro at 269-781-0880 or Silent Observer at 269-964-3888.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Michigan State Police, Battle Creek Police Department, LifeCare Ambulance Service, Pennfield Fire Department, and Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority.