A recent encounter between a Jackson County sheriff’s deputy and a man on a lawnmower has led to serious charges and a forthcoming trial. According toThe Detroit News, the defendant, James Mitchell Kerr III, 41, of Leoni Township, faces assault with intent to murder, felony firearm possession, and resisting arrest after allegedly pointing a gun at a deputy.
The incident, dating back to September 19, initiated when Deputy Robert Henderson attempted to arrest Kerr over violations of his probation and two misdemeanor warrants. As reported byWILX, despite the deputy’s orders to dismount, Kerr instead accelerated away on his lawnmower. This pursuit ended abruptly in a small ditch, leading to Kerr’s self-inflicted gunshot wound during the ensuing confrontation.
Kerr’s attorney, Philip Curtis, has suggested that his client’s actions weren’t intended to harm the deputy. “This was an unfortunate and certainly dangerous situation,” Curtis explained in an email, as obtained byThe Detroit News. “My client and his family are grateful for that.”
Further insight into the altercation was gained through body camera footage released following a Michigan Freedom of Information Act request, which was detailed byMLive. The video captures the escalation, displaying Kerr pulling a handgun from the mower and being tased by Henderson, which led to Kerr accidentally shooting himself in the hand. After being treated for his injuries, which were not life-threatening, Kerr was incarcerated at the Jackson County Jail.
The Sheriff’s Office, as well as the Michigan State Police, have since conducted investigations, the latter at the request of Jackson County Sheriff Gary Schuette. The internal investigation found no policy violations. “This incident underscores how rapidly a seemingly routine encounter can escalate and the potential dangers deputies face daily,” the Sheriff’s Office emphasized after the ordeal. Kerr is scheduled to reappear before Circuit Judge Thomas Wilson for a pretrial hearing on Friday, as covered byMLive.
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