Police identify man killed by paramedic after bomb threat

OCEANA COUNTY, Michigan — An emergency medical technician killed a man who threatened to hurt others with an explosive device, Michigan State Police said. The man has since been identified.

Jonathon Jurecki, 44, of Oceana County, was killed by a gunshot wound on Saturday.

Hart Post Police officers were initially called to a home in the 2000 block of Skeels Road in Oceana County for a report of a man behaving erratically.

There they saw Jurecki walking on the corner of Scales and Nichols Road. When he spotted the police, he ran into the woods and came out with a wired device. He announced that he was going to kill everyone, police said.

Residents in the area were immediately evacuated. Emergency personnel from the Grand Rapids Post and Bomb Disposal Squad were called in to assist.

The negotiators spoke with Jurecki for several hours.

At around 7:45 p.m., he made a statement that was perceived as a threat, cops say, which led to a paramedic shooting and killing Jurecki.

On Sunday, MSP said that after extensive efforts by the MSP Bomb Squad to disarm the device, it was determined to be a dummy. This means that the device was designed to look like a bomb, but lacks explosives or other components that would make it function like a real bomb.

The incident is still under investigation.

Jenna Bob was at the end of her driveway when she heard the shots that killed Jurecki.

“He went out, ran into the woods and grabbed a bag,” Bob said. “And he came out with a bag. Then he told them he had a bomb and he was going to blow them up if they didn’t come back.”

Bob said she grew up with him. She said he was a friend and had mental health issues.

“I know you have to consider that it could have been real,” Bob said. “But he can’t build a bomb.”

Bob added that she was sad about it all ending.

“Still like it’s not real,” she said. “I don’t want to believe it’s real, because he was, he was more good than bad.”

If you or someone you know is going through a mental health crisis, know that help is available. The Michigan Crisis Access Line offers 24/7 assistance and answers calls at 988. You can also text 988 for help.

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