Michigan Department of Natural Resources officer Ryan Cox, 22, has been charged in the 77th District Court in Mecosta County on one charge each of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder (10-year felony) and felony firearm.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred on May 13 when officials say Cox intervened in a verbal and physical altercation involving his father and other campers at the Merrill-Gorrel County Park in Barryton.
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Allegedly, the 22-year-old announced himself as DNR law enforcement before shooting multiple times, hitting one person.
Officials say Cox was off duty at the time of the shooting, so the DNR requested that Michigan State Police investigate the incident.
“Whether on or off-duty, law enforcement officers are not exempt from the law and must conduct themselves accordingly in order to gain and maintain the public’s trust,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “I am thankful for the great work of my Department’s Public Integrity Unit and the Michigan State Police for their work pursuing this very serious case and we look forward to a swift and just resolution of this matter.”
Cox’s bond was set for $25,000 (10%), and he must wear a GPS Tether.
The 22-year-old will next appear before the 77th District Court in Mecosta County for a probable cause conference on Dec. 20 and a preliminary exam on Dec. 27.