Man shot dead after breaking into Orion Township home to get to ex-girlfriend

ORION TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXYZ) — A man was shot and killed by his ex-girlfriend’s stepson Wednesday morning after breaking into an Orion Township home, officials said.

It happened just before 10:10 a.m. on Elkhorn Road near Pine Tree Road.

Officials said the suspect, 67-year-old Galen Gavitt of Unionville, used an axe to break a window at the back of the house and got inside while the woman and her stepson tried to barricade themselves in an upstairs bedroom.

Here’s more about the incident from the Oakland County Sheriff:

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard speaks about the fatal shooting in Orion Township

As the 36-year-old stepson held the door to prevent the suspect from entering, Gavitt fired a shot through the door, causing the stepson to fall to the ground, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office said.

Gavitt then pointed a gun at the stepson, stepped over him and tried to get into an adjoining bathroom where the ex-girlfriend was.

As Gavitt tried to enter the bathroom, the stepson fired a shot, hitting the suspect in the head.

Officers attempted to save Gavitt’s life, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

After a 17-year relationship with Gavitt, the former partner moved into the house with her stepson and his wife.

The 62-year-old ex-girlfriend had applied for a protective order in June and was granted it due to Gavitt’s behavior. The court then issued a protective order against him after he complained about his behavior involving threatening and firearms, which falls under Michigan’s red flag laws.

“I don’t know if I can describe the most critical window of time for someone trying to get out of an abusive, violent relationship. I think it’s any time. It can escalate very quickly,” said Sheriff Michael Bouchard.

The suspect is said to have received the weapon from his ex-wife. It is unclear whether she gave it to him or whether he took it.

This incident is under investigation.