A press launch from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Workplace breaks down the incident, which went down on September 19 in Leoni Township. Per the sheriff, it was Deputy Robert Henderson who responded to the scene to arrest 41-year-old James Mitchell Kerr on a felony warrant for violating his probation, in addition to two further misdemeanor warrants.

In bodycam footage from Henderson, he is seen strolling towards Kerr, who was driving on a mower on the time. Because the deputy motions for him to come back communicate with him, Kerr ignores him — and accelerates the mower. Henderson follows on foot, telling him to cease, earlier than pulling out his taser and threatening to apply it to him.

Kerr stops the mower, telling Henderson to “relax” as he stepped off the machine. “You run, I am gonna tase you, James,” the deputy says, as Kerr picks one thing up off the facet of the mower. In keeping with the sheriff’s workplace, the merchandise was a handgun, which they are saying he pointed on the deputy.

It is then Kerr is hit by the taser, earlier than falling to the bottom. Kerr might be seen with a bloody hand, because it seems the gun went off — and the suspect shot himself.

The sheriff’s division stated the taser “precipitated Mr. Kerr to shoot himself within the hand.” He was then taken into custody, transported to the hospital and handled for a gunshot wound. He is since been launched to jail.

Kerr was later charged with assault with intent to homicide, felony firearm, and resisting and obstructing.

The Sheriff’s Workplace, in the meantime, performed an inside investigation into the incident and determined “no coverage violations” occurred. Additionally they requested the Michigan State Police conduct an impartial felony investigation.

“This incident underscores how quickly a seemingly routine encounter can escalate and the potential risks deputies face day by day,” added the sheriff. “Fortunately, the deputy was unhurt, and the suspect didn’t maintain critical accidents.”