Police are investigating after a teen was injured in a shooting Monday night at Jean Klock Park during a large gathering that reportedly drew around 200 teenagers to the beach area.
According to the Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety, the shooting happened shortly before 7 p.m. on Monday night (May 18). Witnesses reported hearing as many as 30 gunshots during the incident.
Authorities said one teenager suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and was transported to the hospital for treatment. The injury is believed to be non-life-threatening.
Following the shooting, Jean Klock Park was closed to the public for the remainder of the evening while officers processed the scene and searched for evidence.
Law enforcement said the incident at Jean Klock Park occurred not long after Silver Beach County Park in St. Joseph was closed by police. Berrien County Sheriff Chuck Heit tells us it appears some of the crowd kicked out of Silver Beach wound up at Jean Klock Park. The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety was assisted by the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office and the Michigan State Police.
Public Safety Director Dan McGinnis said preliminary information indicated none of the teens involved were from Benton Harbor. He said many of those gathered at the park were believed to be from the South Bend and Elkhart areas in Indiana.
No arrests have been announced. The investigation continues.
