Statement Regarding Off-Campus Incident

Date: March 18, 2009

Student Senate Statement Regarding Off-Campus Incident 

ALLENDALE, MI- Last Wednesday, Ottawa Country Sheriffs Officers in conjunction with the West Michigan Drug Enforcement Team, conducted a search at an apartment in the Campus View Complex.  In the process of executing a search warrant, Derek Copp, a Grand Valley student was shot by a law enforcement officer.

On behalf of the student body, Student Senate would like to wish Derek a full and complete recovery.  The Student Senate will work with administration to do whatever we can to make a smooth transition back to Grand Valley upon his return.   

Even though this incident took place off-campus, Student Senate is greatly concerned with the actions of the law enforcement team.  Student Senate will await a full and complete explanation from the Michigan State Police.  Like all students, we want to know why the West Michigan Drug Enforcement Team entered Derek Copp’s apartment and why a firearm was used.