Accidental Shooting Occurs During Target Practice in Schoolcraft

Schoolcraft, Mich. — A man was shot during what has been described as an accidental shooting while a neighbor was practicing his aim with a firearm. The incident took place on Wednesday evening around 6:30 p.m. near South 3rd Street and West XY Avenue.

According to reports from Michigan State Police, the injured man, identified as Todd Spears, was working on his pole barn when he was struck by a bullet. Right next door, a neighbor was practicing target shooting when the unfortunate accident happened.

Gayle Dowl, who lives nearby, shared her frantic experience as she was sitting down for dinner. “My daughter came running in the house and said there is something going on next door, they are screaming for help,” Dowl recalled, still in shock. She quickly learned that Spears had been shot and rushed to understand the situation.

“They were shooting in this direction, which there are like four houses between their house and our house,” Dowl expressed. She described the situation as “crazy” and couldn’t believe that such an accident could occur in their quiet community.

After the shooting, Spears was taken to the hospital and is currently reported to be in stable condition. Dowl commented on the incident, suggesting it was “just a poor case of judgment.” The person who fired the gun has been cooperative with the authorities during the ongoing investigation.

While the shooting was deemed an accident, Dowl emphasized the importance of being responsible with firearms. “Be aware of what you are doing, just stop and think, there is nothing that is more important than a human’s life,” she urged other firearm owners.

As of now, no arrests have been made, and there is no indication that drugs or alcohol were involved in the incident. Even though this incident was accidental, the Michigan State Police stated they will not be closing the case because someone was injured, and a report will be submitted to the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office for further review on whether any charges may be filed.