WEST MICHIGAN — A shooting suspect is on the run after allegedly gunning down two people in West Michigan.

The killings in Kalamazoo and Constantine are related, and police believe they were carried out by the same man.

Authorities are searching for Zachary Michael Patten. He is a prime suspect in the murders and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Patten was last seen driving a 2004 silver Chrysler Pacifica bearing Michigan Registration CLN 8244. The vehicle has a “skeleton family” sticker on the back of it. There is also a spare tire on one of the front wheels.

It all began around 9:30 p.m. Thursday when police were called to Kalamazoo’s Americana Estates, near Drake Road and Michigan Avenue.

The first victim, a 31-year-old woman from Kalamazoo, was shot after an argument. She died at the scene according to police.

Witnesses say the woman wasn’t the original target. They believe she stepped in front and took the bullet for her brother who was arguing with Patten.

Details surrounding the second person who was killed are limited, but police report it happened early Friday morning off of Featherstone Road in Florence Township.

The 29-year-old man who was killed is the new husband of Patten’s ex-wife according to authorities. The man was shot when he answered the door to his family’s home.

Newschannel 3 is now learning that Patten has a history of violence, including arrests for assault and domestic violence.

Source: WSBT