Following an extensive review, the Michigan Department of Attorney General has decided not to bring charges against a Michigan State Police Trooper involved in the fatal shooting of 52-year-old Mark Ryan from Port Huron in February. The decision, announced yesterday, is based on evidence supporting the officer's claim of self-defense during the encounter that led to Ryan's death. A comprehensive investigation was launched under the Michigan State Police's policy of having all officer-involved shootings reviewed by the Attorney General's office.
The situation unfolded on February 12th when officers responded to a call indicating that Ryan, allegedly intoxicated, threatened to take his own life and expressed a desire to be shot by someone else. When they arrived, they could not quickly determine to discern whether the pistol he was holding was a real firearm or a BB gun, as it lacked the distinguishing orange barrel tip. Despite efforts to de-escalate the situation, Ryan continued to defy officers' orders and made a threat to shoot them. The Michigan Department of Attorney General reported the Trooper shot Ryan after he moved towards them, refusing to halt despite repeated warnings.
The investigation, led by the MSP 2nd District, included analysis of several pieces of evidence, such as MSP reports, statements from on-scene officers, audio recordings of the 9-1-1 call, the autopsy report, and video footage from various cameras, including body-worn devices and patrol cars. The findings presented showed that the Trooper had an honest and reasonable belief that they were in imminent danger. This belief justified the use of deadly force in self-defense, as outlined in Michigan State Police policy and explained in the Attorney General's announcement.
According to the standard of law, officers possess the same privilege of self-defense as civilians do, provided their belief of danger is both honest and reasonable. The Michigan Department of Attorney General concluded the Trooper did "not act in a manner that would substantiate criminal charges," as his actions were in line with this definition of self-defense. The Attorney General's office maintains its offer to lead or assist in any investigation into officer-involved shootings at the request of local law enforcement agencies or prosecutors within Michigan.
