Barry Co. deputy shoots, kills suspect

BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP, Mich (WOOD) - A 41-year-old man was shot and killed by a Barry County sheriff's deputy Saturday night.

Lt. Chuck Christensen with Michigan State Police told 24 Hour News 8 it started with a domestic dispute at a residence in the 9800 block of Banfield Road in Baltimore Township, not far from Dowling, around 7 p.m.

Neighbors said the suspect, Ralph Elliott, once lived with his mother in that residence, which is not far from his home.

When Barry County sheriff's deputies arrived at the scene there was a brief standoff.

"It was minutes before it was all over," said Lt. Christensen.

Christensen said Elliott had fired two gunshots prior to the arrival of authorities. He never fired upon deputies.

Deputies fired five rounds. Lt. Christensen said the deputies felt they were in danger.

"There were some overt actions that it appears on the part of the suspect where the deputies that were on scene had to react in some manner," said Lt. Christensen.

Elliott was shot outside the home. He was transported to a hospital where he later died.

Neighbors were shocked to learn of what happened, telling 24 Hour News 8 Elliott was a nice man who owned a successful family-named auto business.

Elliott's family said they also have questions and there was no domestic dispute before the incident outside of the home. They are now grieving as police continue their investigation.

The Michigan State Police is investigating and it is customary to have a third-party agency investigate an officer-involved shooting.

The deputy involved in the shooting is on paid administrative leave per department protocol.