YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, MI — The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office released dashcam footage Thursday morning connected to an officer involved shooting that followed a vehicle pursuit earlier this month.
RELATED: Washtenaw County Sheriff: No Gun On Suspect Killed By Police In Ypsilanti
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the video was released at 11:00 a.m. on January 22, 2026, and includes footage from responding deputies involved in the January 6 incident. Officials say portions of the footage were redacted to protect personal identifying information and sensitive material, and that no additional evidence will be released at this time due to an ongoing independent investigation by Michigan State Police.
Timeline of Events
Initial 911 Calls
During the early morning hours of January 6, 2026, dispatchers received two separate 911 calls reporting a white moving or construction-style van being driven erratically in Ypsilanti Township.
- The first call was received at approximately 1:24 a.m.
- A second call at approximately 1:30 a.m. reported that the driver of the van threatened the caller’s wife with what was believed to be a handgun.
Law Enforcement Response and Pursuit
Deputies responding to the felonious assault located the suspect van shortly after the calls and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle did not stop, and a pursuit began.
During the pursuit, deputies reported the van was driven erratically and at times attempted to reverse toward responding units. The pursuit continued into the City of Ypsilanti, where it ended after a collision and crash involving the suspect vehicle.
Post-Crash Encounter
Following the crash, deputies approached the van and issued loud verbal commands for the driver to show his hands. During the approach, a deputy can be heard yelling “gun,” after which multiple deputies discharged their firearms toward the vehicle. Another deputy is heard reporting shots fired.
Initial radio communications immediately following the incident reported the traffic stop, pursuit, shots fired, and the presence of a firearm. The scene and investigation were then turned over to Michigan State Police in accordance with standard protocol for officer involved shootings.
Independent Investigation
A subsequent search of the suspect vehicle did not locate a firearm. The Sheriff’s Office said an earlier press release was issued to clarify that no firearm was found after that information was verified by outside investigators.
Officials emphasized the dashcam footage is being released for transparency and is not intended to draw conclusions about the incident. The Sheriff’s Office noted it does not yet have access to all evidence or investigative findings, as the case remains under the authority of Michigan State Police.
The driver of the van was identified as a 35-year-old white male from St. Clair County. His name and additional details are not being released due to the ongoing investigation, privacy considerations, and out of respect for the individual’s family.
The deputies involved in the shooting were placed on administrative leave immediately following the incident, which the Sheriff’s Office described as standard procedure.
Sheriff’s Office Statement
The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged the seriousness of the incident, stating that officer involved shootings are among the most tragic events faced by law enforcement and have lasting impacts on deputies, families, and the community.
Regardless of the outcome of the investigation, the Sheriff’s Office stated that any officer involved shooting resulting in a loss of life is devastating to all involved. Officials expressed condolences to those impacted and reaffirmed their commitment to fully cooperating with Michigan State Police.
Additional information will be released when appropriate and when doing so will not compromise the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
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