Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3hFJ0DYvY4GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A Kentwood police officer who shot and
killed a suspect armed with a knife in April will not face charges.
In a 15-page news release, Kent County Prosecuting Attorney Bill
Forsyth says that Officer Darrin Cline acted, in part, in defense of his
fellow officer.
...
Cline shot and killed Gulley while attempting to subdue him shortly after the stabbing that killed Gulley’s wife
Casey Kempker, 41.
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Forsyth said he was concerned about the response the public might
have to the video that shows the suspect being shot after he was on the
ground.
The video shows Gulley on the ground, surrounded by officers when the
shooting takes place, the sources said. A police dog was on top of
Gulley and he was flailing his knife near the animal when a Kentwood
officer opened fire.
Gulley died shortly after the shooting.
Forsyth said in his release that it’s possible to argue that Cline’s
main focus was the welfare of the K-9, but even so his concern for the
dog does not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he was not concerned
for his fellow officer’s safety as well.
In a Tuesday statement, Kentwood Police Chief Tom Hillen said Gulley
was given multiple chances to surrender, but "but ultimately, he chose
not to do so.” He went on to say the use of deadly force was "the only
option left to prevent further violence and protect our community.”
"I thought the officers acted bravely to pursue this person without
regard to their own lives and tried to use other means,” Hillen told 24
Hour News 8 Tuesday afternoon.
In preparation for the release of the prosecutor’s findings and
video, officers in Grand Rapids have been alerted about a potential response from the public.