BRONSON, MI (WTVB) – Police and fire units had more than just a mobile home fire to deal with late Wednesday morning in Branch County’s Bethel Township as a man who was described as suicidal wanted police to shoot him.
Police were called to 517 Block Road at about 11:20am. The actions of the man forced firefighters and rescue crews to stage away from the scene until police could take him into custody.
The Branch County Sheriff’s Department says the man was taken to the Community Health Center of Branch County for an evaluation.
As of Thursday morning, no criminal charges have been filed against the man.
Bronson Fire Chief Scott Wilber says the cause of the blaze which destroyed the mobile home is under investigation by the Michigan State Police but there are unconfirmed reports the despondent man set the structure on fire.
When we called the Marshall Post Thursday morning, they would only say a press release would be issued later.
Wilber adds the 12 by 60 foot structure was fully involved in flames when firefighters arrived. Damages were estimated at $15,000. No injuries were reported.
Two dogs and a cat were rescued but two deceased cats were found inside. Firefighters were on scene for two-and-a-half hours.
The Branch County Sheriff’s Department, Lifecare Ambulance, and Consumers Energy also responded to the scene.
