Don Albert Stapel Jr.
By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
GOLDEN TOWNSHIP — The suspected gunman on the loose in Mears, 59-year-old Don Albert Stapel Jr., has misdemeanor charges pending in Oceana County’s 79th District Court.
Michigan State Police released an updated photo of Stapel, which is a booking mugshot.
Stapel faces charges of larceny less than $200 and trespassing and is scheduled for a plea/sentencing hearing Sept. 2, according to court records. He is charged with two counts of larceny less than $200 and one count of trespassing stemming separate incidents in May of 2025, April of 2025 and October of 2023.
Law enforcement is on an hours-long manhunt in the Silver Lake community for the accused shooter that began Sunday morning, Aug. 17.
Stapel was last known to be wearing a gray shirt and blue jeans, police said.
MSP is asking residents in the 7500 block of Fox Road in Mears to shelter in place as they search for Stapel.
A person was shot in the leg, according to Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast. The person was still alive as far as the sheriff knew as of 2 p.m.
MSP issued the following press release Sunday afternoon on X”
“Michigan State Police Hart troopers are asking residents in the 7500 block of Fox Road in Mears to shelter in place as they are investigating an armed subject that may be in the woods.
“Troopers are looking for Don Albert Stapel, Jr., 59. If anyone sees him, please call 911. Details are still coming in and will be provided as they become available.”
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