Off-duty dispatcher wounded in shooting

Thu, Jun 26, 2008    to del.icio.us

SPENCER TOWNSHIP (AP) — Authorities in Kent County said a Montcalm County emergency dispatcher was critically wounded when she was shot by her boyfriend Tuesday night.

The boyfriend, 50-year-old Joseph Simones, died of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.

WZZM-TV reported this morning that Tracy Larson, 41, remains at a Grand Rapids hospital for stomach wounds. She also was struck twice in the back of the head with the stock of the gun.

Police said Larson dialed 911, pleading with dispatchers to hurry to her Spencer Township home so she could stay alive for her children.

Kent County Sheriff's Department deputies said Larson apparently was trying to end her relationship with Simones.

No children were believed to be home at the time of the shooting.