Livonia police shoot and kill homeowner during confrontation after fire

Livonia police shot and killed a 61-year-old man who they say raised a handgun at officers Sunday evening following a residential fire. 

According to police, Livonia officers and firefighters responded to a home in the 20000 block of St. Francis Street around 7 p.m. on Sunday in response to reports of a residential explosion and fire. 

After the first was extinguished, police searched the home and found no occupants inside. Police say they later found the homeowner in a neighbor's backyard with a handgun. 

Police say they made several attempts to negotiate with the man, but he allegedly raised a handgun toward officers. An officer fired at the man, striking him. 

The victim, identified by police as 61-year-old Roger Zebrowski, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

No officers were injured in the shooting. 

"Roger was an amazing neighbor," said Zebrowski's neighbor, Stephanie Day. "He'd help us out whenever we needed it, and he'd check in on us. He was just a really great guy."

"Roger was a great guy. He was outgoing. He helped neighbors out when he could. He's just the guy you'd want to talk to," added close neighbor CJ Rodgers.

Per protocol, the Michigan State Police are currently investigating the shooting. 

Livonia police say they're also investigating an arson related to the house explosion that caused the initial response to Zebrowski's home.