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Stempien Says Algarin’s Death Was Justified Deadly Force
By: Mike Stiles - Thursday, May 9, 2024

David Algarin (photo courtesy of Sturgis Department Of Public Safety)

(COLDWATER) – Branch County Prosecutor Zach Stempien says the officer involved shooing of a double homicide suspect was the result of justified deadly force.

In a media release, Stempien says the shooting of 30 year old David Keith Algarin Jr. of Sturgis by responding Branch County officers will not result in charges being filed. The investigation into the matter was conducted by the Michigan State Police.

The Sturgis Department of Public Safety was called August 6, 2023 about a shooting at 10:43 PM at the intersection of South Centreville Road and South Street, and an individual being hit by a car.

Officers found 38 year old Stacy Ramsey of Sturgis in the roadway with a gunshot wound. A motorist told officers as they were getting out of their vehicle to aid Ramsey, the suspect vehicle came back and struck her then fled the area.

Algarin was found at the Sweet Lake Mobile Home Park, but was able to escape from authorities. Officers did a protective sweep of the Park and found the second victim, 61 year old Jerry Longacre deceased.

The search continued and at 11:10 AM August 7, Sturgis Police received a hit from a traffic camera that Algarin was in Sturgis. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department pursued him into Bronson.

The chase went onto North Matteson Lake Road and then onto M-86. Officers conducted a move to slow down the chase, forcing Algarin to pull off into a wheat field. An officer involved shooting occurred and Algarin was pronounced dead.

Stempien says in his release that Algarin refused to put his hands up and raised a pistol towards deputies before they fired

An autopsy determined that Algarin sustained 18 gun shot wounds to the head, neck and torso.



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