William Thomas (Billy) Travis, 22, of Kalamazoo, was arraigned in Allegan County District Court Thursday afternoon on a variety of charges stemming from a weekend car theft spree and shootout that start in Martin last Saturday evening.
The 19 charges he faces include:
- Two counts of assault with intent to murder
- Assault with a dangerous weapon
- First-degree home invasion
- Second-degree fleeing a police officer
- Carjacking
- Attempted carjacking
- Three counts of unlawful driving away of a motor vehicle
- Attempted unlawful driving away of a motor vehicle
- Receiving and concealing a weapon
- Receiving and concealing a stolen vehicle
- Five counts of felony firearm
- Two counts of possessing a firearm as a felon.
Travis is accused of stealing three vehicles in Martin, Wayland and Hopkins Saturday night and then leading deputies on a brief chase before escaping. He finally was apprehended early Sunday morning in Manlius Township. He brandished an AR-15 assault weapon and authorities said he was shooting at houses. Ernie Caudill of Fennville returned fire when he saw Travis in his neighborhood.
The suspect then commandeered a minivan, but crashed it a few miles away near the intersection of 56th Street and 128th Avenue. He broke into another house and held the people inside at gunpoint and went outside to steal their truck, but was confronted by deputies and injured in a shootout. He was shot in the chest and was taken to Holland Community Hospital for treatment.
Travis’ bonds was set at $650,000. and his next court hearing is Thursday, June 27.
COVER PHOTO: This Corvette allegedly stolen in Hopkins by Travis crashed in a ditch.
