HART — Michigan State Police (MSP) confirmed that Trooper Paul Butterfield II of the Hart post died Monday 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.

Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, MSP director, issued a statement which said, “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.

Investigation into both these incidents is ongoing.

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

 

The MSP acknowledged “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.

Gov. Rick Snyder said, “This senseless incident is a grim reminder that our brave public safety officers put their lives on the line every day when they go to work protecting Michiganders. They are heroes.

“Our hearts break when a Michigan State Police trooper, or any of our other police officers or firefighters, is killed in the line of duty. Their loss is unquestionably felt by their families as well as the communities they serve and our entire state. We realize the extraordinary difficulty of their jobs and the sacrifices they make for us.

“A tragic event like this shakes us all, but it also bolsters our resolve to make our streets and our neighborhoods safer.

“We thank Trooper Butterfield for his bravery, his service and his sacrifice. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, friends and colleagues.”

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said, “Trooper Paul Butterfield made the ultimate sacrifice in serving our state. The People of Michigan are privileged to have brave men and women like Trooper Butterfield who insure the safety of our communities. My wife Cynthia and I extend our deepest sympathies to Trooper Butterfield’s family, friends and colleagues. They are all in our prayers on this difficult day.”