Dead Suspect in Hancock ATV Crimes Named, Injured Resident Now Home and Recovering from Attack
Hancock Police have named the deceased suspect connected to a series of ATV-related offenses that took place over the weekend. The events appeared to be politically motivated and resulted in an elderly resident being seriously injured. The suspect, Joshua Kemppainen, was found dead due to an apparent suicide shortly after confessing to the crimes.
Suspect’s Background
Joshua Kemppainen, aged 22, was previously unknown to local law enforcement prior to these incidents. The suspect was identified after police received reports of three instances of vandalism in the Hancock area last Sunday. According to officials, Kemppainen was seen riding an ATV downtown, causing damage to two vehicles – one bearing a Donald Trump Support sticker, the other showcasing support for law enforcement.
Residential Harassment and Attack
Following the reported vandalism, Kemppainen is said to have targeted an 80-year-old resident on Anthony Street. Authorities report that Kemppainen ripped Donald Trump support signs from the elderly man’s yard. In a bid to restore his signs, the resident was reportedly run over from the back by Kemppainen, leading to severe injuries. Despite the seriousness of the incident, the victim, who remains unnamed due to confidentiality reasons, is now home and recovering.
Suicide and Investigation
After the incidents, Kemppainen called law enforcement from a Samson Street address in Quincy Township, expressing his intentions to confess to the crimes. Upon arrival at the suspect’s residence, Houghton County Sheriff’s Deputies discovered Kemppainen dead from what looked to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Subsequent investigations led to the retrieval of the clothes Kemppainen was reported to have worn at the time of the crimes, the ATV he used, as well as several electronic devices from his residence. Law enforcement, however, did not recover any notes or messages that could shed light on the suspect’s motivations.
Investigative Search and Community Appeal
While investigations are still in progress, Houghton County Sheriff Josh Saaranen has called for unity and non-violence in response to politically motivated crimes. He stated, “We don’t have to agree with each other at all times. But we as a community need to come together.” The electronic devices found inside Kemppainen’s residence are currently undergoing an examination at the Michigan State Crime Lab in Marquette.
Kemppainen’s untimely death and his alleged crimes have left the Hancock community in shock. However, the local residents are rallying together, choosing peace over political divide, and allowing law enforcement to carry out thorough investigations to bring about closure to this unsettling episode.
