GRAND RAPIDS — An 18-year-old opened fire on two Grand Rapids police officers in broad daylight Tuesday, turning a simple attempt to speak with him into a sudden gunfight.
The shooting happened around 1:40 p.m. near Blaine Avenue SE and Adams Street SE. One of the officers had only been on the job about six weeks and was still in training. As the pair approached the suspect to discuss a stolen firearm, he turned, pulled a gun, and fired multiple rounds at them. Both officers returned fire. No one was hit.
The suspect ran but was arrested about a block away after police used a drone to locate his discarded gun. GRPD Chief Eric Winstrom said the incident shows how fast things can go from routine to deadly and said he was thankful neither officer — especially the new recruit — was harmed.
The 18-year-old has not been identified. Charges are pending in Grand Rapids District Court.