MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, Mich. — A violent altercation in Muskegon Heights Monday morning left a police officer injured and a suspect dead after an exchange of gunfire that unfolded in the neighborhood.
The incident began around 7:45 a.m. when a Muskegon Heights police officer, who was en route to work, stopped to investigate a disturbance on Baker Street. As the officer approached the scene, he encountered the suspect, prompting a violent confrontation. The suspect opened fire, striking the officer, who was able to radio for assistance before being rushed to a local hospital. The officer was treated and later released the same day, with Muskegon Heights Police Chief Maurice Sain confirming that he was “doing well.”
Minutes after the officer was injured, reports began coming in of the suspect being spotted on Reynolds Street, a few blocks away. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the man firing at a passing car, although no one inside was injured. One neighbor, Danyell Watkins, recounted the chaos: “He shot at the car a couple of times. He shot at me multiple times. Everyone was scared. Everybody was running. It was a lot of chaos.”
While Watkins and his passengers managed to avoid harm, the frightening scene caused widespread panic among residents. A local homeowner on Reynolds Street fired at the suspect after being targeted, striking the man. However, the suspect managed to return fire and flee the scene.
Moments later, officers from the Muskegon Heights and Muskegon Police Departments located the suspect in an alley behind a house on Howden Street. Despite being confronted by officers, the suspect reportedly refused to drop his weapon and aimed it at one of the officers. In response, both officers fired their weapons, hitting the suspect. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased suspect but confirmed he had an extensive criminal history. The suspect was reportedly wanted on charges of assault, weapons offenses, and was considered a habitual offender.
The exchange of gunfire, which involved both law enforcement and residents, raised concerns among community members. Neighbor Scottie McKinley expressed his worry over the safety of his family. “I know the bullets that leave the chamber don’t have a name on them, so that is a concern,” McKinley said.
While law enforcement acted swiftly to contain the situation, the dangerous exchange posed significant risks to both officers and bystanders. Residents in the area continue to process the terrifying events, with many fearing for their own safety and the well-being of their families.
The Muskegon Heights Police Department is continuing its investigation into the incident, and more details are expected to emerge as authorities piece together the full scope of the events leading up to the confrontation.
