Man Shot To Death Defending Neighbor's Dog From Being Kicked
BENTON TWP., Mich. (WWJ/AP) - A southwestern Michigan man has been shot to death during a confrontation with a man who was kicking a neighbor's dog.
David Krieger, 53, was shot in the chest around 9 a.m. Friday outside of his job at a hydraulic repair and supply shop in Benton Township, southwest of Grand Rapids. Krieger, of Benton Harbor, was pronounced dead in the store's parking lot.
According to police, Krieger had confronted the suspect, 30-year-old Roy Thompson, because Thompson was allegedly seen kicking a neighbor's dog. During the encounter, Thompson pulled out a gun and opened fire, according to police.
Thompson, also of Benton Harbor, fled the scene but was later arrested in connection with the shooting. He's now facing open murder and weapons charges, and is being held in the Berrien County Jail.
Police Chief Vince Fetke said Thompson was released from prison in 2013 and is on probation for a concealed weapons charge.
Krieger's family released a statement after the shooting saying he was "the best friend a person could ever ask for."
"He was protective of his wife and his two fuzzy children. He was an animal champion and died trying to protect what his passion was, which was animals," the statement read. "He's a true hero. He was passionate about family and friends and to him there was no difference."
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