Shot in head, youth minister recovering

GAINES TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - Police are putting out a plea for tips as they continue to search for the people who they say fired dozens of shots at a crowded party and shot a youth minister in the head.

Kent County Sheriff's investigators confirmed on Monday that the youth minister who was shot is MarShon Peoples, an active speaker and youth activist in the Grand Rapids area.

The incident happened on Friday night outside of the Streams of Hope Community Center in Gaines Township, where more than 150 people were gathered.

Peoples was shot in the back of the head. He is out of the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

Police said that it is something of a miracle that no one was killed and only the one person was hurt.

"We're very concerned when people are trying to the right thing in the community, providing safe places, and we have this kind of activity going on," said Kent County Undersheriff Jon Hess. "Most of these are kids that are under the age of 18."

Police said eight people may have been involved. They are all black males and may be in their 20s. The suspects took off in a red SUV and a white Chevy Impala.

Hess said he has a message for those responsible:

"Ultimately, we'll get you."

Anyone with information is asked to call the Kent County Sheriff's Department at 616.632.6100 or Silent Observer at 616.774.2345.