Grand Rapids police officers involved in a December shooting have been cleared of any misconduct after a confrontation that left a 19-year-old man, Nodin James Chervenka, wounded, authorities announced. The Kent County Prosecutor's Office confirmed that the officer’s actions were justified given the circumstances, following an investigation that included a review of body-camera footage and witness statements. Chervenka, who was shot after allegedly charging at the officers with a box cutter, is now facing charges including felonious assault and resisting police, per FOX 17.
The incident, which unfolded on December 16, began with police responding to a report of an individual harassing people near the 200 block of Union Avenue North East in Grand Rapids. The police, which after arriving at the scene, they encountered Chervenka acting erratically behind Martha's Vineyard. According to the Detroit News, Chervenka informed officers of a boxcutter in his left pocket before making abrupt movements that led to the shooting.
Bodycam footage shared by the Grand Rapids Police Department shows the dramatic scene where Chervenka, after initial compliance, turned and ran toward an officer. “You’re going to get shot,” an officer warned as Chervenka continued to advance, which resulted in him being struck by police gunfire. Even after being hit, WZZM 13 reports that Chervenka attempted to get up and re-engage with officers, retreating into a nearby garage and claiming possession of another knife.
Despite attempts to subdue Chervenka with a taser, the charged man persisted, leading to another shot fired by officers that hit him in the arm. He was subsequently taken to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. “I am hopeful the investigation will reveal this individual’s motive for charging at officers, not once but twice, even after being wounded by the initial shots,” Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom conveyed in a statement obtained by WZZM 13.
Chervenka, who was arraigned with a bond set at $5,000, could face up to eight years in jail and fines if convicted on all charges. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 30. No officers were injured in the incident, and both were briefly placed on administrative leave, which is protocol, during the Michigan State Police investigation. As of now, no arraignment date has been provided for Chervenka.
