'Pure Michigan' sign shot 18 times on U.S. 31, MSP looking for shooter

 

NILES, Mich.-- If you travel north on U.S. 31, crossing the state border from Indiana into Michigan, you will see a Pure Michigan sign.

However--

"You would see that it's been shot up," said Lt. DuWayne Robinson, public information officer for Michigan State Police (MSP) District 5.

Eighteen bullet holes pierced the state sign from what MSP troopers believe to be a rifle.

"When you have someone recklessly firing off rounds for no good reason whatsoever, all of our lives are at risk," Robinson said.

For Robinson, it's not just vandalism but violence.

"You don't know where those bullets land," he said. "So, 18 rounds went off and they landed somewhere."

Looking at the sign, it's clear it was hit from the back, or north, side.

"It definitely could have hit cars," Robinson said. "It could have hit cars in any direction because you're talking about a rifle round."

MSP is asking for the public's help in finding out who did this and when.

On top of the damaged property, this is also a misdemeanor reckless discharge of a firearm.

Robinson said the cost to replace and install a new sign at the state border would cost about $4,000. The penalty for these crimes is a $10,000 fine and/or up to five years in prison."

"It's an act of terror to me because it definitely puts in your mind whether or not you're going to be safe just taking what should be an easy, peaceful drive from South Bend to Michigan or Michigan to South Bend," Robinson said.

If you have any information, MSP is asking you call their Niles post at (269) 683-4411.