LANSING – Today, the Department of Attorney General announced it has concluded the review of the May 2024 firearm use by a Michigan State Police (MSP) Trooper in Buena Vista Charter Township, finding the Trooper acted in self-defense and defense of others on the scene. This review was requested by MSP. 

On May 26th, 2024, MSP and Saginaw Police were dispatched to Buena Vista Charter Township in Saginaw County to locate a suspect in an alleged shooting. The suspect’s vehicle was located and forced to a stop in a roadway. It was known to officers on-scene at this time, from both law enforcement agencies, that a victim in the preceding alleged shooting was in the car with the suspect. Following gunshots from inside the suspect’s vehicle, a Trooper fired his weapon once into the rear of the suspect’s vehicle, in the direction of the driver, striking no one. The Trooper’s bullet entered the vehicle and became lodged in the back of the driver’s seat. There was no additional gunfire from inside the vehicle, nor into the vehicle, and the suspect soon surrendered his weapon. 

Attorneys at the Department of Attorney General reviewed written reports from Michigan State Police and the Saginaw Police Department, dispatch reports from Saginaw County, relevant 9-1-1 calls, dash-cam footage, and scene photographs and diagrams, among other material.  

Law enforcement officers have the lawful authority to use force to protect the public welfare, but a careful balance of all human interests is required. An officer’s decision about the level of force necessary to control an individual will be based on the officer’s perception of the threat and the subject’s apparent ability to carry out that threat. Under all the facts and circumstances known to the Trooper on this date, the firearm use in this case, in self-defense and in defense of others, was justified and legal.  

The Department of Attorney General is available to lead or support any investigation of an officer-involved shooting at the request of any county prosecutor or law enforcement agency within the state and today renews this commitment and offer.