On behalf of the Honorable Chief Judge Gary J. Bruce, Sheriff Paul Bailey of the Berrien County Sheriff Department in Michigan sadly reports the death of Berrien County Trial Court Bailiffs Joe Zangaro and Ronald Kienzle.
Bailiff Joe Zangaro, 61, and Ronald Kienzle, 63 were moving a prisoner from a holding cell on the third floor of the Courthouse to a courtroom for a hearing. As the inmate was being removed from the cell, and the door of the cell locked, the inmate began to fight with one of the bailiff’s. The inmate was able to disarm the bailiff and shot both officers. The suspect ran into a hallway and shot Deputy James Atterberry and a female civilian employee of the court, wounding both of them. The suspect then ran into a courtroom and took some hostages in an attempt to further his escape from jail. Two other Court Bailiff’s confronted the suspect in the courtroom and shot and killed the suspect.
Deputy Atterberry, 41, was taken to Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph. His condition is listed as stable.
The female civilian employee was also taken to Lakeland Hospital and her condition is reported as fair.
Court Bailiff Kienzle served the Berrien County Trial Court for eleven years. He had previously served for twenty five with the Benton Township Police Department and retired as a Sergeant. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He is survived by his wife and children.
Court Bailiff Joe Zangaro served the Berrien County Trial Court for twelve years. Zangaro started his law enforcement career with the Battle Creek Township Police Department as a Patrol Officer and later with the Battle Creek City Police Department when the two agencies combined. He was later hired by the Michigan State Police. He rose through the ranks during his twenty five years of service and retired as the Post Commander of the Bridgeman Post.
Berrien County Trial Court Bailiff’s Joseph Zangaro and Ronald Kienzle-gone, but never forgotten. EOW: Monday, July 11, 2016.
Additional details can be found here:
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/crime/bailiffs-killed-in-berrien-county-courthouse-were-both-retired-cops/269888031
http://woodtv.com/2016/07/11/msp-shooting-at-berrien-county-courthouse/
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/local/lakeshore/berrien-county-courthouse-shooting-suspect-identified/269986705
https://www.odmp.org/officer/22902-security-supervisor-joseph-zangaro
https://www.odmp.org/officer/22903-court-officer-ronald-kienzle