A Michigan State Police trooper shot an armed man in the leg after a pursuit involving a Jeep SUV in Macomb County on Sunday afternoon, as detailed by multiple reports. The man, identified as a 31-year-old from Chesterfield Township, was reportedly involved in a road rage incident earlier, where he used the butt of a long gun to destroy another vehicle's windows.
The incident escalated when the suspect's Jeep was spotted driving off Van Dyke Avenue and into a cornfield in Bruce Township. According to CBS News Detroit, a local resident, Dana Warner, described the scene she witnessed from her home, "The police officer was like holding the door open kinda like what you would see in the movies you know he was behind the door protecting himself, but he had the gun up at the same time. So I didn't see him shoot I just heard the three gunshots."
After the trooper encountered the suspect vehicle, the driver allegedly exited with a long gun, at which point the trooper discharged their firearm, striking the individual, as reported by The Detroit News. The suspect was then taken to a local hospital for treatment and is listed in stable condition. The officer, a 25-year veteran assigned to the Metro North Post was unharmed and has since been placed on administrative leave, following department policy.
"Currently there is a lot of on scene work to do. Detectives from the Third District IRT are processing the scene with our forensic laboratory writing search warrants and our drone team is mapping the scene," said MSP F/Lt. Mike Shaw, as per ClickOnDetroit. Shaw also noted that the investigation is ongoing, pending interviews with the suspect as well as a review of body and vehicle cameras and any other evidence from the area.
The Macomb County Sheriff's Office also confirmed their assistance with the incident, directing any further inquiries back to the Michigan State Police. A full investigation has been launched and its results will be forwarded to the Michigan Attorney General's office for review. As the investigation continues, details regarding the initial road rage incident and subsequent shooting by the state trooper remain under examination.
