HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Michigan State Police are investigating a shooting fatality involving a state trooper that happened at 3 p.m. Monday, June 21, 2021.
The Wayland Post-based trooper was responding to a 911 call about a breaking and entering in progress on Oak Road near 132 nd Street in Heath Township, near Hamilton.
The trooper confronted the suspect in the home’s front yard, police said. Witnesses observed the two physically fighting, according to Lt. DuWayne Robinson, during which the trooper pulled his firearm and shot the suspect, hitting him once.
Robinson indicated the trooper immediately administered first aid to the suspect until EMS arrived, but the suspect died.
The trooper had facial injuries, but no one else was hurt, according to police. WOOD-TV reports the trooper did not have a body cam, but there was a camera on the police vehicle.
The preliminary investigation indicates the suspect and one of the homeowners knew each other from a past relationship.
The names of the trooper and dead suspect are being withheld pending further investigation.
Robinson indicated the shooting is being investigated by detectives from MSP’s Sixth District to avoid any potential conflict of interest; the involved trooper has been placed on administrative leave.
Robinson told WOOD-TV in part, “It’s never an officer’s goal to have a day where they have to take someone’s life,” while expressing sympathies to the family and friends of the dead man.
Allegan County Prosecutor’s officials will review results of the investigation and determine whether any charges will be filed.
State troopers on the scene Monday were assisted by Allegan County Sheriff’s deputies, AMR Ambulance and Hamilton firefighters. Members of the MSP Grand Rapids Forensic Science Laboratory also responded to the venue to process the scene.
