Shots fired at retired Musk Co judge

MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) - A retired Muskegon County judge escaped injury when an armed robber opened fire in the parking lot of a Catholic church chapel early Friday morning.

Around 12:45 a.m., Judge Thomas Linck was going into the building used by St. Michael's Catholic Church as a 24 hour worship center when he was approached by a man who demanded his wallet. He refused, and the suspect -- Romero Neal -- opened fire.

The shots missed and the robber fled.

An off-duty Muskegon Department of Public Safety officer was in the chapel and heard the gunshots. The officer found the judge at the secured entrance to the chapel and helped him get inside and then called for back-up.

Witnesses from a nearby home were also calling 911 and gave authorities a description of the suspect.

Alyssa Hanusocky heard the shots and walked out on her front porch.

"I think he seen all of us and got scared or something and he came and pointed a gun at our house and told us to get inside the house and then he ran down the road here," she told 24 Hour News 8.

Officers found the suspect about a block away and took him into custody. Police also recovered the gun believed used in the crime.  

Judge Linck later identified the suspect -- who lists addresses in Muskegon and Muskegon Heights -- as the shooter.

Neal, 27, is charged with six counts, ranging from assault with intent to commit armed robbery to felony firearms. A past felony conviction puts him in the category of habitual offenders.

If he's convicted, he could face life in prison.

Hanusocky is relieved he's off the streets. "It was scary," she said. "I never seen anything like that ever."

Linck is a retired Probate Court judge who was admitted to the Michigan Bar in 1959.

The investigation continues.