Ecorse police officer fatally shoots man wielding knife during domestic dispute
The Michigan State Police say a man wielding a knife was fatally shot by an Ecorse police officer who was responding to a domestic dispute.
Officers responded to the 4200 block of High Street at about 7:45 p.m. on Thursday, the Ecorse Police Department said. When police arrived, they found a woman who was bleeding from multiple injuries. While the officers were getting information and checking the situation, the suspect returned to the scene.
Ecorse police said the suspect, a 37-year-old man, was armed with a box cutter. He refused orders to drop the knife.
One of the Ecorse police officers deployed a Taser device, which was not effective at disrupting the suspect. The man fell to the ground, but quickly regained his footing and charged at an officer with the box cutter.
"At that time, an officer discharged his department-issued firearm, striking the suspect," Ecorse police said.
Both the woman and the man were taken to Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital. Her condition is not known at this time, police said. Michigan State Police, which has taken over the investigation, said the man was killed.
"Once the investigation is completed a investigators report will be submitted to the prosecutor for review," MSP 1st Lt. Mike Shaw said in a social post.
The Ecorse Police Department has placed its officer who was involved on reassignment to administrative duties, pending the outcome of the investigation.
"Anytime our officers are forced to make split-second decisions involving an armed individual, it is a serious and unfortunate situation for everyone involved," Ecorse Police Chief Derran Shelby said. "Our primary concern at this time is the safety and well-being of the victim, the officers, and the community. In the interest of transparency and accountability, we have requested the Michigan State Police conduct an independent investigation into this incident. We ask the community to remain patient and allow the investigation to proceed based on the facts and evidence."