CALHOUN COUNTY, MI (WTVB/WNWN) – The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office is releasing additional details regarding the officer-involved shooting that occurred Wednesday at a residence in Marengo Township.
At approximately 10:44 a.m., deputies were dispatched to 14301 18 ½ Mile Road in response to a 911 call reporting that an individual may have shot himself and was threatening further violence.
During the 911 call, a family member reported that the subject, later identified as 41-year-old Michael Anthony Koch of Marshall resident had sent text messages stating he had shot himself in the head. He also indicated that if police responded, he would shoot them. After those messages, no additional communication was received, and calls went unanswered.
Medical personnel from the Marengo Fire Rescue and the Marshall Firefighters Ambulance Authority were staged nearby. The Sheriff’s Office says deputies were required to secure the scene to ensure EMS could safely enter and provide assistance.
When they arrived, deputies located Koch in the rear patio area of the home. He did not comply with verbal commands, then picked up what appeared to be a long rifle-style firearm, pointed it at a deputy, and according to a Sheriff’s Office press release, stated, “Shoot me, b****.”
The deputy discharged their patrol rifle and immediately began life-saving measures. Koch was pronounced dead a short time later. The weapon Koch pointed at deputies was later identified as a BB gun.
The incident remains under investigation by the Michigan State Police and the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office of Professional Standards.
The deputy involved, a 27-year veteran law enforcement officer and 4.5-year employee of the Sheriff’s Office, has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigations.
The Sheriff’s Office has released body-worn camera footage and still images.
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