BOIS BLANC ISLAND— A 41-year-old man is in custody after Mackinac County deputies say he fired a high-powered rifle into his neighbor’s home on Bois Blanc Island Monday afternoon. Gerald Chad Plum surrendered to police following an eight-hour standoff that required a multi-agency tactical response to the remote island.
Deputies say the incident began around 1:30 p.m. on March 9 when a 63-year-old woman reported she was hiding inside her home while her neighbor fired rounds into the structure. According to the Mackinac County Sheriff’s Office, the woman could see at least three bullet holes in her residence at the time of the call.
The remote location of the island created logistical challenges for the rescue operation. Sheriff Edward M. Wilk said deputies had to coordinate a difficult response because they were unable to move large tactical equipment to the island immediately. Additionally, deputies prepared criminal charges and search warrants while tactical teams were being mobilized.
To reach the scene, Mackinac County deputies worked with Bois Blanc Township officials and the Bois Blanc Fire Department, which provided numerous vehicles to transport law enforcement personnel. Aviation support from the Michigan State Police, Fresh Air Aviation and Northwoods Aviation assisted in moving the emergency services team and small tactical gear to the island.
Members of the Michigan State Police Emergency Services Team safely removed the woman from her residence shortly after their arrival. Once the victim was in a safe location, the team focused on the suspect, who eventually surrendered without incident at approximately 9 p.m.
Plum has been arraigned on multiple felony charges and is currently being held at the Mackinac County Jail. A judge set his bond at $750,000 and required a GPS tether as a condition of release.
The Mackinac County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the case. Authorities stated that no injuries were reported and there is no ongoing threat to the community.