Man charged with murder in deadly shooting of Wayne State police officer

Deangelo Davis charged with first-degree murder

DETROIT – A man has been charged in connection with the Tuesday shooting death of Wayne State University police Officer Collin Rose.

Deangelo Lamar Davis, 31, of Detroit, has been charged with first-degree murder, felony firearm, murder of a police officer, felony firearm, and felon in possession of a firearm. He was arraigned Friday morning and is being held in the Wayne County Jail without bond.

Click here to donate to Wayne State police in memory of Rose.

"Universally, Officer Rose was respected, admired, and one that had an excellent work ethic," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said. "Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Officer Rose. All of us at the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office grieve along with the Wayne State University community and the law enforcement community. This case strongly illustrates the dangers that police officers face every minute of every day."

Police said calls of sorrow and support are coming from across the nation. Rose was known and respected by street people, neighbors and Wayne State students. They continue to stream in.

Wayne State's chief was in court, backed by a dozen colleagues from several departments, silently paying tribute by their presence.

Even in death, Rose is bringing out the best in people. His hometown near Kalamazoo had a surprise for his parents when they returned from Detroit.

"When mom and dad rolled into town, there was all kinds of blue lights to welcome them back," Lt. Patrick Saunders said. "The town is really wrapping its arms around them."

Saunders was Rose's supervisor at the Wayne State University Police Department.

Davis is scheduled to return to court Dec. 9 for a probable cause hearing. A preliminary exam is scheduled for Dec. 16 in Detroit.

Davis, initially a person of interest in the shooting, was arrested Tuesday night.

Rose died Wednesday of his injuries, Wayne State University police Chief Tony Holt confirmed.

Holt said Rose, of St. Clair Shores, died at 5:35 p.m. Wednesday.

"It's a tragedy for all law enforcement right now and it's got to stop," said Tim Sampey, Rose's friend and a retired police officer.

Rose was just one credit away from getting his Master's degree. The university is waiving the requirement for the last credit and will grant the degree posthumously -- something that is a source of pride for his parents and fiancee.

What happened?

Police said Rose was stopping someone on a bicycle when he was shot once in his head. Rose was investigating car break-ins in Detroit's Woodbridge neighborhood.

Rose underwent surgery at Detroit Receiving Hospital. He was on life support at the hospital, surrounded by family, until his death.

Rose was 29 years old and engaged to be married next October. He was a graduate of Ferris State University.

Wayne State University offered this message to students Wednesday morning: 

"(Rose) is a member of our canine unit, and has been a member of Wayne State’s police force for five years. But he is more than that. Collin is 29 years old and engaged to be married. He has a fiancé, family and friends, and fellow officers who work with him every day. He is part of our Wayne State community, and we will be here to support him and his family during this difficult time. Please keep Collin in your thoughts and prayers."

Wayne State said none of the school's officers had ever died in the line of duty and it had been 36 years since an officer was wounded by gunfire.

The Detroit Lions paid tribute to Rose before Thursday's Thanksgiving Day game against the Minnesota Vikings.

As officers, the community and family members continue to mourn Rose's death, the case will begin moving through the court system. Community members hope justice will be served.

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About the Authors

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.

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