Overview
A routine probation-related visit in Michigan escalated into an unusual and dangerous incident when a man attempted to flee from a deputy on a riding lawn mower. The incident ended with the man accidentally shooting himself in the hand while being subdued with a Taser.
The Initial Encounter
On September 19, Deputy Robert Henderson from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office went to a home in Leoni Township to arrest James Mitchell Kerr, 41. Kerr was wanted on a felony warrant for probation violation and two additional misdemeanor warrants.
When Deputy Henderson arrived, Kerr was outside on a riding lawn mower. The deputy instructed him to get off the vehicle and surrender, but Kerr refused to comply. Instead, he accelerated the mower in an apparent attempt to escape.
The Chase
Deputy Henderson pursued Kerr on foot. The brief chase ended when the lawn mower became stuck in a small ditch. Despite this, Kerr continued to resist. He stepped off the mower, ignored further commands, and walked away. However, he soon returned to the mower and escalated the situation further.
The Escalation
According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Kerr retrieved a handgun from the mower and pointed it at Deputy Henderson. In response, the deputy deployed a Taser to subdue him. The electrical shock from the Taser caused Kerr to lose control of the firearm, which discharged and struck him in the hand.
Medical Attention and Arrest
Kerr was treated at a local hospital for the gunshot wound to his hand. After receiving medical care, he was taken into custody and transported to jail.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Following the incident, Kerr faced several serious charges:
Assault with intent to murder
Felony firearm possession
Resisting and obstructing an officer
On October 23, formal charges were filed against Kerr, and he was scheduled to stand trial starting November 13.
Investigations Underway
Due to the unusual and potentially dangerous circumstances of the incident, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office requested an independent criminal investigation by the Michigan State Police. In parallel, the sheriff’s office is conducting its internal review to ensure that protocols were followed during the arrest.
Sheriff’s Statement
Jackson County Sheriff Gary Schuette emphasized the risks that law enforcement officers face daily. He stated:“This incident underscores how rapidly a seemingly routine encounter can escalate and the potential dangers deputies face daily. Thankfully, the deputy was unharmed, and the suspect did not sustain serious injuries.”
Key Takeaways
The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of law enforcement work. A situation that began as a simple arrest attempt quickly turned volatile, demonstrating the need for preparedness and the importance of independent reviews to uphold accountability and trust in policing practices. As the investigations continue, the case serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in policing and the challenges of ensuring public safety in high-pressure situations.
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