Man suspected of politically motivated attack on 80-year-old commits suicide
Yellow law enforcement tape isolating crime scene. Blurred view of city street, toned in red and blue police car lights
The ATV operator suspected of mowing down and critically injuring an 80–year–old Hancock man yesterday has killed himself, according to police.
The older gentleman was struck by the machine while placing a political campaign sign in his yard. He was hospitalized for treatment of serious injuries and remains in critical condition as of Tuesday morning.
Police suspect the attack was politically motivated and that the ATV driver may also be responsible for several instances of property damage that occurred yesterday. The perpetrator appeared to target those supporting former President Donald Trump and law enforcement supporters.
Someone called police from a Samson Street home in Quincy Township yesterday stating that they wanted to confess to a crime involving an ATV driver that took place within the last 24 hours. The caller also asked that the dispatcher send someone to pick him up from the home.
When police arrived at the residence they found a 22-year-old male dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Hancock Police Department in conjunction with Houghton County Sheriff’s Office executed a warrant on the home and seized several electronic devices which will be analyzed by computer forensics specialists.
A spokesperson for both agencies stated that neither department condones violence against any political candidates or supporters of those candidates.