Van Buren County man charged with 18 felonies after pipe bombs thrown at police

Finding videos takes time and effort, keep me motivated by donating to https://paypal.me/thisisbutter
-----
Kendall, MI - A 58-year-old Van Buren County man has been charged with 18 felonies following an armed standoff during in which he allegedly hurled multiple pipe bombs at police before being subdued and taken into custody.

Morgan Scott Parish faces an array of serious charges, including the following, according to court records obtained by News Channel 3:

* One count of terrorism
* Eight counts of assault with intent to murder
* Three counts of possession of explosive devices (pipe bombs) with unlawful intent
* Three counts of possession of Molotov cocktails/other explosives
* One count of possession of weapons and ammunition by a prohibited person
* Two counts of assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer

Each charge carries a punishment of a year to life in prison and several thousands of dollars in fines.

According to police, deputies and a SWAT unit from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office had obtained a warrant for Parish’s arrest on an outstanding felony from St. Joseph County.

Parish had been charged with possession of meth and weapons offensives, documents detailed. The prosecution stated that Parish was being sought out by deputies with The Van Buren County Sheriff's Office because he missed bail.

When officers approached the RV where he was barricaded, Parish allegedly ignited an explosive device inside, then threw a pipe bomb at the entry team.

As gas was deployed during negotiations, Parish again emerged, brandishing another explosive, before officers fired nonlethal munitions to apprehend him alive.

No officers or deputies were injured. Parish was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and the Kalamazoo Bomb Squad later discovered and safely disposed of a third device on scene.

Until this incident, Parish’s criminal record consisted solely of misdemeanors and civil infractions, according to court records.

This included charges for marijuana possession, driving with a suspended license, driving without insurance, distribution of sexual material, allowing an unauthorized person to drive his vehicle, unpaid booking fees, improper license plate display and speeding.

Van Buren County Undersheriff Casey Davis, who led the SWAT operation, credited the team’s intensive training for the outcome.

“All the officers are walking away today because of the intense training that our SWAT team goes through,” Davis said. “The training paid off. That’s exactly how it should have ended”.

Following formal arraignment and medical clearance, Parish will be held at the Van Buren County Jail pending trial.

Prosecutors are reviewing the 18 charges connected to the explosives and weapons he allegedly used.

As of Monday, Parish is being held on a $5 million bond, as Judge Michael McKay called him a "flight risk" and a "danger to the community."

Parish will be in court again on July 16 at 8:30 a.m. for a probable cause hearing.