At approximately 10:04 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, deputies from the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a shooting incident at a residence near the intersection of Harding Road and 55th Avenue in Sheridan Township.

Upon arrival, deputies found that a 16-year-old female from Mecosta had sustained a gunshot wound to the neck. The injury was inflicted by a 21-year-old male from Barryton. Deputies immediately began performing CPR and other life-saving measures until medical personnel arrived on scene.

After a thorough investigation, it was determined that the shooting was accidental, with all involved parties and witnesses being interviewed. Authorities have confirmed that there is no ongoing danger to the public regarding this incident.

The injured 16-year-old was initially transported to the Big Rapids Hospital for stabilization, before being transferred to Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids for further treatment. While her injuries were critical, she is expected to survive.

The Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office urges the public to always exercise caution when handling firearms. As a reminder, firearms should always be treated as if they are loaded, pointed in a safe direction, and handled with the utmost care.

Deputies were assisted by Mecosta County EMS, Meceola Central Dispatch, and Fork Township Rescue.

_{Release courtesy of the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office.}