FREMONT
-- While searching a house for a local man wanted on a Bowling Green warrant
Monday night, a city police officer accidentally fired a bullet into a closet,
according to police reports.
Officer
Kevin Armbruster reported he saw the 22-year-old Fremont man walking along Lynn
Street, near the police station, and called out to him.
The
suspect then ran into a home at 508 Lynn St., Armbruster wrote in his report.
The
officer called in backup, and officers surrounded the home. Armbruster reported
that the suspect was not found inside, and may have jumped out of a window the
officers found open when they searched the house.
Police
Chief Tim Wiersma said Armbruster discharged a 40-caliber round into a closet
during the search.
Wiersma
said no one was in the area where the shot was fired and initial investigation
of the incident suggests it was accidental.
The
chief said a "use of force" review board discussed the incident with
Armbruster on Tuesday afternoon. Armbruster also immediately received training
on the use of a flashlight mounted on his semi-automatic pistol, Wiersma said.
The
chief acknowledged that someone could have been hurt and said the police
department is taking the appropriate steps to look into the matter.
"I'm
so glad that no one was hurt," Wiersma said.
In addition to the outstanding warrants, a
charge of obstructing official business has been filed on the suspect. Police
reported Tuesday they have not yet found the suspect.