SHERIFF NEWS RELEASE – M. Parish found guilty
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On December 18, 2025, Morgan Parish was found guilty by a jury on all 18 counts listed below reference the July 4th Bombing incident. During the trial, several members of the Van Buren County SWAT Team testified regarding the events that took place that day.
A special thanks to the Van Buren County Prosecutor for their hard work and dedication to this extremely difficult case.
Deputies and officers assigned to the multi-jurisdictional SWAT Team demonstrated exceptional restraint and professionalism during the July 4 incident, ultimately resolving the situation without anyone being seriously injured or killed.
Sheriff Daniel E. Abbott stated that he is proud of all the deputies and officers who responded to the incident and is grateful that justice was served. It was a truly dangerous situation that was handled with exceptional professionalism.
Undersheriff Casey Davis, the SWAT Commander, stated that this outcome is a true testament to the training, teamwork, and professionalism of the Van Buren County SWAT Team. Several SWAT officers immediately set aside their personal plans that day to respond and ensure the safety of the public.
The Van Buren County SWAT Team is a multi-jurisdictional unit comprised of deputies and officers from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, South Haven Police Department, Lawton Police Department, and Mattawan Police Department.
COUNT 1: TERRORISM
COUNT 2: ASSAULT WITH INTENT TO MURDER
COUNT 3: ASSAULT WITH INTENT TO MURDER
COUNT 4: ASSAULT WITH INTENT TO MURDER
COUNT 5: ASSAULT WITH INTENT TO MURDER
COUNT 6: ASSAULT WITH INTENT TO MURDER
COUNT 7: ASSAULT WITH INTENT TO MURDER
COUNT 8: ASSAULT WITH INTENT TO MURDER
COUNT 9: ASSAULT WITH INTENT TO MURDER
COUNT 10: EXPLOSIVE-POSSESS BOMBS W/UNLAW. INTENT
COUNT 11: EXPLOSIVE-POSSESS BOMBS W/UNLAW. INTENT
COUNT 12: EXPLOSIVE-POSSESS BOMBS W/UNLAW. INTENT
COUNT 13: MFG/POS.EXP. OR INCEND. DEV. W/MAL.INTEN did manufacture, buy, sell, furnish, or possess a device designed to explode
COUNT 14: MFG/POS.EXP. OR INCEND. DEV. W/MAL.INTEN did manufacture, buy, sell, furnish, or possess a device designed to explode,
COUNT 15: MFG/POS.EXP. OR INCEND. DEV. W/MAL.INTEN did manufacture, buy, sell, furnish, or possess a device designed to explode
COUNT 16: WEAPONS-FIREARMS-AMMUNITION-POSSESSION BY PROHIBITED PERSON a Felon
COUNT 17: POLICE OFFICER-ASSAULT/RESIST/OBSTRUCT
COUNT 18: POLICE OFFICER-ASSAULT/RESIST/OBSTRUCT
Van Buren County Sheriff News Release – July 5, 2025
Date and Time:
July 4th 2025 at 11:00 AM
Location:
28000 Block of CR 388
Suspect:
58 year old male
Assisting:
Michigan State Police Crime lab
KDPS bomb squad
WANTED FUGITIVE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AFTER PIPE BOMB STANDOFF
Sheriff Daniel Abbott reports that Van Buren County Deputies located a wanted fugitive believed to be staying in the 28,000 block of County Road 388. After developing probable cause, deputies obtained a search warrant for the camper where the suspect was residing.
As deputies approached the camper, the suspect detonated a pipe bomb inside. Deputies immediately retreated and requested the assistance of the Van Buren County SWAT team.
Upon arrival, SWAT personnel began verbal negotiations with the suspect, urging him to surrender peacefully. The suspect refused, stating he would not return to prison and expressed his intent to kill all officers on scene.
In response, SWAT developed a tactical plan and deployed CS (tear) gas into the camper in an attempt to compel the suspect to exit. As gas was deployed, the suspect emerged and threw a pipe bomb at officers, which detonated. Moments later, he exited again and threw a second pipe bomb, which also detonated.
As the suspect stood in the doorway, a SWAT officer deployed a less-lethal shotgun, striking the suspect twice. The suspect then surrendered and was taken into custody. He was transported to a hospital for treatment of his injuries.
No officers were injured during the incident.
Following the arrest, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) Bomb Squad responded and located an additional pipe bomb, which was safely destroyed. Due to the serious nature of the incident, the Michigan State Police Crime Lab was called to the scene to assist with processing evidence.
