Setting the record straight on the recent GRPD officer-involved shooting

When false narratives are spread, we will defend.

Our team is representing the Grand Rapids Police Department officers involved in the recent officer-involved-shooting. As always, our focus is simple: Protect the rights of the men and women who put their lives on the line every day.

These officers were attempting to stop an armed suspect who was illegally possessing a firearm. When officers attempted to stop the suspect, he fled on a bike and took off running from them. A K-9 was deployed and these officers attempted to place the suspect under arrest. A struggle followed, the suspect pointed a gun at the officer and the officer protected himself, his partner and the K-9. 

Within hours of this incident, false narratives began to form driven by politicians and community leaders who do not know all the facts. The media rushed to write bias headlines. Social media flooded with fake feeds. But the facts, THE REAL FACTS, take time to thoroughly uncover which is something these supposed “leaders” know. However, they chose to rush to judgment with limited facts in order to grab the media’s attention and fire up a community with their completely false narrative.

Let’s be clear about one thing: Officers have the right to protect their own lives. When a suspect is armed and refuses lawful commands, the situation can become deadly in seconds. Compliance matters. Obeying police commands matters. These encounters do not have to end in tragedy, but when individuals choose to resist, flee, or use weapons against officers, THEY create the danger that follows.

We will not allow false or incomplete narratives to destroy the careers and reputations of officers who acted in good faith to protect themselves and the community. Our job is to ensure the truth comes out — not speculation, not politics, and not social media outrage.

We stand with these officers. We will defend their actions, their integrity, and their right to go home safely to their families.

Thank you to the Michigan State Police 6th District SIS for once again showing your professionalism and tenacity in conducting a through unbiased investigation into this incident. Our team will continue to cooperate fully as the investigation progresses.