Police shooting of man in mental health crisis was justified, Wayne County prosecutor says

WAYNE, Mich. – The Wayne County Prosecutor has ruled a deadly police shooting of a suicidal man in June was in self-defense.

The shooting happened June 18 at an apartment building off Michigan Avenue in Wayne. Police were dispatched after John Zook called 911 during a mental health crisis and said he was suicidal and off his medication.

Police said Zook was spiraling mentally and covered in his own blood when they arrived. He reportedly was still holding a knife.

Authorities said the two responding officers repeatedly told Zook to drop the knife. One officer reportedly attempted to use a taser, but it was not effective. The other officer allegedly fired his taser and gun at the same time when Zook approached them.

He was shot four times.

The Wayne County Prosecutor said that the shooting was justified and that the officers did not use deadly force until Zook posed a threat to their safety.

No charges will be issued in Zook’s death.