GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Two days after a shootout between a man and three police officers, the Grand Rapids Police Department released video from the officers' body and dash cameras showing the suspect was the first to fire.
The shooting happened Saturday, December 6 around 4:45 p.m. near Tremont Boulevard and Mount Mercy Drive, after the man was stopped by police.
The video from the officers' body camera and in-car cameras shows the man opening his door and opening fire.
VIEWER DISCRETION: Body camera footage shows deadly officer-involved shooting
The 51-year-old was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Police Chief Eric Winstrom released four angles, two from dash-mounted cameras, and two from the officers' body cameras.
"We're not going to come to come to a conclusion of whether this is in line with policy or the law today," Winstrom said.
The situation started on Saturday a woman called police around noon to report a domestic incident involving a weapon at a home on Strobel Avenue near 4th Street. She made the call from a different location. The department says no injuries were reported.
"I wouldn't say known by these officers. I know this deceased individual does have a criminal history. I know that Grand Rapids police have responded in the past to domestic incidents involving this individual," Wonstrom said.
Officers responded to the Strobel address but were unable to make contact with the man, who wouldn't come to the door.
Several hours later, the woman contacted police again. She reported the man had sent her text messages saying he had a gun and was threatening to harm himself.
Officers return to the Strobel address for a welfare check and to investigate.
The department says officers parked down the street to plan out how to safely approach the house. While parked, officers saw the man leave the home, enter a car and start to drive away.
The officers pulled the car over near the area of Tremont Boulevard and Mount Mercy Drive.
According to the police department, the man started firing at officers from inside his car.
Winstrom shared that his officers were extremely close to getting hit.
"The first round that you see break that windshield looks on in slow motion on video to be incoming, so inches to miss him," the chief said.
One of the officers who was involved in Saturday's shooting was in training. This marks the second time an officer in training was involved in a police shooting with GRPD in less than a month.
"I tell you, to have two of our brand new officers involved in shootings this terrifying in such a short period of time. It's out of the norm, and just highlights how serious a job we have here," Winstrom said.
Michigan State Police is handling the investigation. All three officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, which is protocol in officer-involved shootings.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you can contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988.
Watch our Saturday report below:
