Muskegon Heights, MI – In a harrowing series of gunfights Monday morning, a violent fugitive with a long criminal history was shot and killed by police after wounding an officer and opening fire in a quiet Muskegon Heights neighborhood. The suspect, already wanted for multiple violent felonies, ignored repeated police commands and ultimately aimed a handgun at officers—prompting a swift and lethal response.

It Started with a “Disturbance”

Around 7:45 a.m., a uniformed Muskegon Heights police officer, on his way into work, spotted what was described as a disturbance in the 2300 block of Baker Street. When the officer stopped to investigate, the situation escalated rapidly. Gunfire erupted between the officer and the suspect, and the officer was hit.

Despite being wounded, the officer maintained his composure, radioed for backup, and provided a detailed suspect description. His quick thinking ensured fellow officers were on high alert as the manhunt began.

A Trail of Violence

Minutes later, at 7:51 a.m., the same suspect was seen on a porch in the 2400 block of Reynolds Street—this time firing at a passing car. Thankfully, no one inside the vehicle was hurt. A lawfully armed homeowner returned fire, apparently hitting the suspect before he fled once again, firing back as he ran.

Officers heard the gunshots and pursued the suspect toward Howden Street, where the final confrontation took place.

The Final Stand

In an alley off the 2400 block of Howden Street, officers from both Muskegon Heights and the City of Muskegon encountered the armed fugitive. Bodycam and witness accounts confirm that commands to drop his weapon were issued. Instead of complying, the suspect raised his handgun—appearing to aim at one of the officers.

At that point, both officers discharged their firearms, striking the suspect. Life-saving measures were attempted, but the suspect died at the hospital.

Who Was the Suspect?

Authorities revealed that the man was a known repeat offender, already facing charges for:

• Assault with intent to do great bodily harm.
• Assault with a dangerous weapon.
• Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
• Fourth-degree habitual felony status.

Warrants for his arrest had been issued just four days prior.

Officer Recovering, Investigation Ongoing

The officer who was shot was treated and released from the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The officers involved in the fatal shooting have been placed on administrative leave, per department policy. Michigan State Police have taken over the investigation.

Community Reactions

The incident shook residents. One neighbor said a bullet pierced their daughter’s living room wall. “I had to leave work to make sure my daughter and granddaughter were safe,” she said.

Another resident, who spotted the suspect running with a gun, said, “We took off when we realized what he had. It could have gone very differently if we’d hesitated.”

A Reminder for Pro-Gun Citizens

This tragic event underscores two truths many in the gun-owning community already understand:

1. Police cannot be everywhere. The first officer was alone and vulnerable—and still did his duty.
2. Armed citizens can and do make a difference. A homeowner stood his ground, firing back and likely slowing the suspect before police caught up.

In the end, this was a violent fugitive who chose chaos over compliance. Law enforcement responded with courage, restraint, and ultimately decisive force when it became clear lives were at risk.