Driver shot during Ecorse arrest attempt
A driver was shot Wednesday during an arrest attempt in Ecorse, and an officer was taken to a hospital.
Dearborn police said officers with the Southeast Michigan Auto Crimes Consortium were attempting to arrest people around 5:45 a.m. in the 100 block of Southfield Road for suspected involvement in several dozen vehicle break ins across Metro Detroit.
During the arrest attempt, the driver accelerated and struck a task force officer, police said. Another officer then fired a weapon, wounding the driver.
Police said the driver left the scene, led officers on a pursuit and was later taken into custody. The driver was taken to a local hospital with non life threatening injuries. The officer was also taken to a hospital.
Michigan State Police is investigating the officer involved shooting.
Federal civil rights claims after police use of force
A civil rights claim involving police force is separate from an agency investigation or criminal case. Under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, a person may seek civil relief when someone acting under color of state law deprives them of a right secured by federal law or the Constitution.
The Sixth Circuit applies an objective reasonableness standard to force used during a seizure. In Raimey v. City of Niles, the court explained that deadly force involving a vehicle depends on the circumstances when force was used, including whether the vehicle posed an immediate danger to officers or others. That analysis depends on the full evidentiary record and does not decide this incident.
For broader background, see Michigan Legal Center’s overview of police brutality and excessive force claims.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center is the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates. Civil-rights and police-misconduct matters are relevant practice areas.
People with questions after a police-use-of-force incident can Contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether the matter falls within Michigan Legal Center’s practice areas.
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