September 10, 2013 - State Trooper Shot During Traffic Stop Passes Away

Contact: Shanon Banner, MSP Public Affairs, (517) 241-0955
Agency: State Police

HART. The Michigan State Police (MSP) is confirming that Tpr. Paul Butterfield II of the Hart Post died last night after being shot while conducting a traffic stop.

At 6:20 p.m., Butterfield stopped a vehicle on Custer Road near Townline Road in Mason County. At 6:23 p.m., a passing motorist called 9-1-1 to report finding Butterfield on the ground with a gunshot wound to the head. Butterfield was airlifted to Munson Hospital, where he passed away during emergency surgery.

Last night, Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP issued the following statement: "Tonight we lost a hero. The entire MSP family, as well as our greater law enforcement family, mourns alongside the Butterfields. Trooper Butterfield's sacrifice will never be forgotten; may he rest in peace."

Based on information Butterfield relayed to dispatch about the vehicle he stopped, a suspect was developed. Through a series of incidents in the area, troopers located the suspects at a gas station/convenience store in Wellston in Manistee County at approximately 8:30 p.m. When troopers approached, the suspect displayed a handgun, pointing it at one of the troopers. One trooper fired, striking the suspect.

Two subjects, a male and female, were taken into custody. The male was transported to the hospital with a non-life threatening gunshot wound. The investigation into both these incidents is ongoing.

Trooper Butterfield joined the MSP in 1999, graduating as a member of the 118th Trooper Recruit School. He has served at the Manistee and Hart posts. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army.

The MSP wishes to acknowledge our many law enforcement partners who assisted in the search for the suspects last evening and who continue to provide support to our department during this difficult time.


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