YPSILANTI, Mich. – The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office has clarified that a driver who was shot and killed by deputies after reportedly pointing a shotgun at them actually didn’t have a firearm at all.
The shooting happened early Jan. 6 following a chase in Ypsilanti.
According to authorities, Washtenaw County sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop a white van in Ypsilanti for driving without license plates or headlights. It did not stop.
The chase ended in a crash near the Washtenaw County Human Services Center and the Villa at Parkridge Nursing Home, near Prospect and Towner streets. The van ended up on its passenger side.
Deputies reportedly opened fire on the van and claimed the driver pointed a shotgun at them.
The roof of the van had multiple bullet holes after the shooting.
The driver and only occupant died at the scene.
On Tuesday, Jan. 13, a week after the shooting, the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the person killed did not have a firearm.
Deputies reportedly communicated over the radio that the suspect had a gun, but no weapon was found or recovered from the scene.
The shooting remains under investigation by Michigan State Police.