DEARBORN, Mich. – A man who was fatally shot by a Dearborn police officer earlier this week during an encounter in a Detroit neighborhood died from multiple gun shot wounds, according to the official report by the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office.
Kevin Matthews died Wednesday. His death has been ruled a homicide.
Police said the 35-year-old was wanted by police on a probation violation warrant, and had escaped from officers earlier in the day after committing a larceny.
The officer was in the area of Tireman and Greenfield when he spotted Matthews and a foot chase ensued, police said.
Police said there was a struggle over the officer's gun in a yard on Whitcomb, but the officer gained control of it and shot Matthews.
Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad stated: "This is extremely tragic, and while we are grateful that the officer involved did not sustain serious injuries, our condolences go out to the family of the decedent."
Haddad said the officer is on paid leave.
Detroit police and the Michigan State Police are investigating.
"This suspect also has been a chronic problem in this area. Local businesses are familiar with him," said Detroit Police Chief James Craig.
Family: Man had history of mental illness
Matthews's family said he was shot multiple times. They are calling the shooting unjustified because Matthews was unarmed and suffering from mental illness.
"It sounds like to me that this Dearborn officer just wanted to gun for somebody and Kevin Matthews happened to be the target," said Rev. Charles Williams.
Matthews's family spoke during a news conference Thursday. They wanted to get the message out that Kevin was a good man who had minor run-ins with the law. He did not deserve to be killed over this, family members said.
A march will be held Saturday at noon at the Dearborn Police Headquarters - 16099 Michigan Ave.