Former City Manager Hospitalized With Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound

Former St. Clair Shores City Manager Ben Hughes has been hospitalized for a self-inflicted gunshot wound suffered Wednesday in Harrison Township.

Hughes, who resigned from his position Nov. 1, shot himself near the Brittany Park apartments in Harrison Township. The Harrison Township Fire Department confirmed personnel dispatched to the area and the victim was transported to a local hospital, according to Chief Michael Lopez.

Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham confirmed that his deputies also responded to the area about 4:50 p.m. after a resident saw a man walk behind a dumpster in the complex. The resident called the manager. A maintenance worker was dispatched to the area and found the 40-year-old individual, whom he would not name, alive.

Wickersham added that there were no signs of foul play, and as of Wednesday night, he was in serious condition.

A post on the St. Clair Shores Facebook page stated he was hospitalized, but did not give his condition. City offices were were also closed Thursday, along with the library.

City Council unanimously accepted his resignation on Nov. 1 after a nearly 90-minute closed session, special meeting in City Hall. Hughes, who did not attend the meeting, did receive a severance package with six months health insurance and four months salary.

"Ben made a decision he was moving in a different direction," said city attorney Robert Ihrie, at the meeting. "I know I speak on behalf of the council that they wish him well on his future endeavours and thank him for his service to the city of St. Clair Shores."

Patch will update this story as additional information becomes available.