TRAVERSE CITY MICHIGAN, Several officers with the Traverse City Police Department have been placed on paid administrative leave following a fatal officer-involved shooting Friday afternoon during a response to a reported domestic violence incident.
The incident occurred at approximately 4:45 p.m. in the 400 block of Munson Place in Grand Traverse County.
According to police, officers were dispatched to the residence after receiving reports of a domestic assault involving a knife.
Authorities said responding officers entered the residence and observed a man lying on the floor inside the home. When officers announced their presence, the man stood up while holding a knife and advanced toward them.
Police said officers issued loud verbal commands instructing the individual to drop the weapon. When the man did not comply, officers attempted to use a Taser in an effort to stop him.
Officials reported that the Taser deployment was ineffective, and as the suspect continued moving toward officers while armed with the knife, officers discharged their department-issued firearms.
The suspect, identified as 50-year-old Darnell Wilson, was struck by gunfire.
Officers immediately began life-saving measures at the scene while emergency medical personnel were called. Despite those efforts, Wilson later died from his injuries.
A 58-year-old woman, believed to be the victim of the reported domestic assault, was transported to Munson Medical Center for treatment. Her condition has not been publicly released.
Authorities confirmed that no police officers were injured during the encounter.
Because the incident involved a fatal police shooting, the Traverse City Police Department requested that the Michigan State Police conduct an independent investigation.
Investigators from the agency’s Special Investigation Section and Crime Lab have been assigned to review the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Officials described the scene as active while investigators continue collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. Additional updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
As is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings, all Traverse City officers who responded to the scene have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing as officials continue reviewing the events that led to the fatal confrontation.
Law enforcement officials have asked the public to allow investigators and the family time and space while the investigation continues.
