COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Michigan State Police say an armed man was shot and killed by police early Tuesday morning on Lucky Drive in Coldwater after he confronted the State Police Emergency Support Team.
The State Police say the Emergency Support Team received a request at around 8:00 p.m. Monday night from Coldwater Police to serve a multi-count felony arrest warrant, including home invasion, at a residence in the Pilot Knob neighborhood on Coldwater’s west side.
The wanted subject was identified as 32-year-old Richard Wilkinson who lived at the residence.
According to a State Police news release, Wilkinson confronted police while armed with an AR style rifle. In response, a member of the ES team fired rounds at Wilkinson resulting in fatal injuries.
Branch County 9-1-1 event logs indicate the shooting took place at 1:42 a.m..
At one point after negotiations broke down, an armored vehicle was used by police to get into his residence.
Per MSP policies and procedures, the trooper involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of this investigation.
The incident is also being investigated by the First District Investigative Response Team detectives. The scene of the shooting has been processed by the MSP Lansing Lab and an autopsy will be performed at Corewell Health.
State Police say this incident remains open pending further investigation, lab analysis, autopsy results, and prosecutor’s review.
Branch County Prosecuting Attorney Zach Stempien was notified, briefed on the situation, and observed the scene of the incident.
Once the investigation is completed, the findings will be submitted to the Branch
County Prosecuting Attorney’s office for review.
If you have any information related to this issue, you’re asked to contact the Michigan State Police.
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