Michigan man killed after stabbing customer during mask argument, pulling knife on deputy, MSP says

Sean Ruis stabs 77-year-old Lansing man during argument over mask

Masks (KAROLINA GRABOWSKA KABOOMPICS, Pexels)

DELTA TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A Michigan man who stabbed another customer at a convenience store during an argument over wearing a mask was later shot and killed when he pulled his knife on a deputy, Michigan State Police say.

UPDATE: Deputy fatally shoots Michigan man wanted for stabbing customer during mask argument

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The incident happened around 6:45 a.m. Tuesday at the Quality Dairy store in Dimondale, according to authorities.

Sean Ernest Ruis, 43, of Grand Ledge, wasn’t wearing a mask at the store and got into an argument with a 77-year-old Lansing man about the mask issue, police said.

Ruis was also refused service by the store because he wouldn’t wear a mask, officials said.

Ruis pulled out a knife and stabbed the other man before fleeing the store, according to MSP.

An Eaton County deputy saw Ruis at 7:13 a.m. on Jerryson Drive in Delta Township and initiated a traffic stop, officials said.

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Ruis got out of his car with a knife to attack the deputy, police said. The deputy tried to back up to create distance between herself and Ruis, but he continued to move toward her, MSP said.

The deputy feared for her life and shot Ruis, according to authorities.

He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died during surgery, medical officials said.

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Deputies said the 77-year-old man is stable at a hospital.

The deputy is a 23-year veteran of the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office, police said. She was not injured.

MSP is investigating the stabbing and shooting incidents.


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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.