Kalamazoo County deputy shot, police car stolen and crashed
A Kalamazoo County sheriff’s deputy is in stable condition after being shot Friday during a struggle with a suspect.
Deputies responded at 8:51 a.m. to a report of someone trying to steal from a car in the 6300 block of East AB Avenue in Richland Township, according to the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office.
During the encounter, the deputy struggled with the suspect and was shot, authorities said. The suspect then took the deputy’s patrol vehicle and led law enforcement on a chase through parts of Kalamazoo County.
The pursuit ended when the patrol vehicle crashed in Kalamazoo Township near the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office.
The suspect was arrested and was receiving treatment Friday before being lodged, authorities said. The sheriff’s office has not released the suspect’s identity or announced charges.
The deputy was taken to a local hospital for treatment and was listed in stable condition. The investigation remains active.
What charges may be considered after an officer is injured and a patrol vehicle is taken?
Under MCL 750.81d, Michigan law makes it a felony to assault, wound, resist, obstruct or endanger a police officer. Injuries requires medical care or causes a serious impairment of body function can increase the penalties depending on the circumstances.
Michigan’s fleeing and eluding law can also apply when a driver willfully fails to stop after a lawful police signal. The degree of an offense can depend on factors including the manner of driving, whether a crash occurred and whether someone was injured.
Charging decisions depend on the evidence, the prosecutor’s review and what can be proven in court.
Workers’ compensation after an officer is injured on duty
An officer injured while on the job may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Michigan’s workers’ compensation law covers work related injuries, and available benefits can include medical treatment, wage loss benefits and rehabilitation services.
Workers’ compensation does not necessarily prevent an injured employee from pursuing a claim against a separate person whose actions caused the injury. MCL 418.827 allows an injured worker to seek damages from a potentially liable third party in appropriate circumstances.
A criminal case, workers’ compensation claim and civil injury claim are separate matters. The available options depend on the injuries, insurance coverage, evidence and facts of the incident.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center is the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates. Our attorneys help injured people and families across Michigan with personal injury, workers’ compensation claims, insurance disputes and wrongful death cases.
If you or a loved one was hurt because of someone else’s actions, call Michigan Legal Center at (248) 886-8650 or contact Michigan Legal Center for a consultation.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.
Michigan Legal Center can help with personal injury claims and workers’ compensation claims.