State News

Video: Grand Rapids police show fatal shooting after traffic stop

April 13, 2022, 3:50 PM

A Grand Rapids police officer, on solitary patrol, shot and killed motorist Patrick Lyoya, 26, earlier this month during a struggle for control of the officer's stun gun, video footage released today shows. 


Patrick Lyoya during the traffic stop that led to his death (Photos: GRPD video)

City and police officials screened a 20-minute video of the incident, gathered from four sources -- the squad car's video, the officer's body-worn camera, a porch-mounted camera across the street and an onlooker's phone video. During the approximately two-minute struggle, the unidentified officer tried to subdue Lyoya, who was trying to run from the April 9 traffic stop. 

The Detroit News reports:

"Let go of the Taser," the officer shouted to Lyoya before firing the fatal shot and calling for backup.

Lyoya had been pulled over aroiund 8 a.m. because his license plate did not match the car he was driving. He got out of the car immediately, ignoring the officer's calls to stay inside. After a brief exchange, during which the officer asked for his license several times, Lyoya turned, apparently to reach into the car, but walked, and then ran, away. 

The officer pursued and was able to get Lyoya on the ground, but the struggle continued. The officer tried to use his stun gun, but: 

Lyoya pushes the officer's stun gun toward the ground. The officer's body-worn camera was deactivated at this point because it was held down for three seconds, Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom said.

The struggle continued, with the officer shouting "let go of the Taser." The next sound was of a gunshot. Lyoya was shot in the head.


Chief Eric Winstrom at Wednesday afternoon's briefing

The Lyoya family immigrated to the United States in 2014 from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Patrick Lyoya lived in Grand Rapids, with the rest of the family in Lansing, The News reports. 

The officer is on paid leave.

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An investigation by Michigan State Police continues, and officials asked the community "not to draw conclusions about whether the involved officer acted consistent with the law" until it is complete. The decision to release the videos before the investigation ends was made in response to calls from the public and others. 

Reaction from state legislators and other officials was immediate. Sen. Marshall Bullock, D-Detroit, called it an "execution-style shooting." Rep. David LaGrand, D-Grand Rapids, released a statement saying: "I am grateful city leaders in Grand Rapids are committed to transparency in this process." 

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a statement:

“The Michigan State Police will conduct a transparent, independent investigation of the shooting.  Then, prosecutors must consider all the evidence, follow the law, and take appropriate action on charges. Justice is foundational to safety, and without justice, we are all less safe. 

“Patrick’s father asked me to convey his hope that any demonstrations in his son’s honor remain peaceful, and as Governor I share this view. We must come together and build a future where Black Michiganders are afforded equal rights, dignity, and safety in our communities. I will never stop fighting to make Michigan a more equitable and just state.”

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II said:

“I am heartbroken by what we all have witnessed as a father, public servant, and a Black man. People are frustrated and hurting—searching for answers. Black people in Grand Rapids, in Michigan, and across the country are mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted from generations of struggle. Yet we press on.

"When we demonstrate and make our voices heard, we must do so in a way that lifts our call for justice beyond the deepening the pain of this community. We must never cease our efforts to reverse inequities, create systemic change, and guarantee justice for communities of color. We must recommit ourselves, through our words and deeds, to working together to build a more perfect union and a Michigan with equality and justice for all, where every interaction within our community, especially those with law enforcement, end with everyone able to return home to their families without harm."  


Read more:  The Detroit News


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