Four people have been arrested after they allegedly shot a man in Pennfield Township with a gel blaster, beat him and stole his phone, according to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to the 1600 block of NE Capital Avenue at around 12:35 a.m. Thursday, April 9 after receiving a report of the shooting.
Deputies found the victim in a parking lot, determining he had been struck multiple times with gel pellets from an Orbeez-style gel blaster.
The victim reported a light-colored SUV pulled up to him and three men stepped out and shot him with the gel blaster. He said the three men then physically assaulted him an took his phone. He was transported to Bronson Battle Creek Hospital.
Deputies located a vehicle matching the description given by the victim at the 200 block of Fremont Street in Battle Creek. Three men and one woman were found at the location.
The four individuals reportedly confirmed they had Orbeez-style gel blasters and were taken into custody. A search of the van reportedly found gel pellets matching those found at the scene The victim’s phone was also found in the van, as well as a Glock .40 caliber handgun.
Deputies also tied the four suspects, two 19-year-old men, a 20-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman, to the incident through security footage, according to the sheriff’s office.
The suspects are expected to be charged with robbery, as well as aggravated assault with a weapon. The owner of the Glock handgun may face additional charges.
Anyone with information regarding the incident can contact Lt. Benjamin Hess at 269-781-0880 or provide an anonymous tip through Silent Observer at 269-964-3888.
Contact Johnathan Hogan at jhogan@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Four arrested after gel blaster attack, robbery in Pennfield
Reporting by Johnathan Hogan, Battle Creek Enquirer / Battle Creek Enquirer
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