Michigan man killed by deputies after attacking them with hatchet, police say

Aian Tracy fatally shot, one deputy injured

Michigan State Police at the scene of a Feb. 10, 2022, officer-involved shooting in Ellis Township. (Michigan State Police)

ELLIS TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A Michigan man was shot and killed when he attacked deputies with a hatchet during a welfare check, officials said.

Deputies from the Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Office were called at 11:52 a.m. Thursday (Feb. 10) to a home on Afton Road in Ellis Township to check on a woman, according to authorities.

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The woman had contacted family members and told them she was in trouble. When deputies arrived at the home, Aian Thomas Tracy, 32, attacked them with a hatchet, police said.

Shots were fired, and Tracy was later pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.

One deputy was struck with the hatchet and treated for non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.

Authorities asked Michigan State Police to investigate the officer-involved shooting. An autopsy is scheduled in Grand Rapids, and the investigation continues.


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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.

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