SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Police are releasing new information regarding the fatal police shooting that occurred on June 3, during a traffic stop near Hot Spot Coffee at 48761 Van Dyke Ave.
According to the Shelby Township Police Department, it began when officers stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation.
The driver, identified as 41-year-old Thomas Antonio Jackson of Troy, exited his car and attempted to flee on foot.
Officers repeatedly ordered Jackson to stop, but he continued running.
In an attempt to stop him, officers deployed a Taser twice, but Jackson did not comply.
During the 32-second encounter, police say Jackson produced a firearm. Officers ordered him to drop the weapon, but Jackson did not comply.
The officer, a seven-year veteran of the department, fired eight shots. Jackson was hit five times - once in the leg, once in the butt, and three times in the front torso.
Police rendered aid at the scene, and Jackson was transported to Corewell Health in Troy, where he later died from his injuries.
Investigators recovered a 9mm pistol at the scene, which was determined to be stolen out of Detroit.
Authorities also revealed that Jackson’s driver’s license was suspended and that he had several outstanding warrants, all related to traffic offenses.
The case was reviewed by the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, which determined the use of force was justified. The officer involved has since returned to duty in the same capacity.
In accordance with department policy, the officer’s name has not been released.
“The Thomas Antonio Jackson family is deeply disappointed that criminal charges will not be brought against the Shelby Township officer who shot and killed Thomas.
The bodycam footage speaks for itself. Thomas clearly did not intend to harm the officer or anyone else. Running away from a police officer by a person who is not threatening an officer or anyone else, should not result in a death sentence.
The family has retained Ven Johnson Law to fully and completely investigate this case from the civil law perspective, and that is exactly what we will do.”
Ven Johnson, President of Ven Johnson Law