The Macomb County Sheriff says police officers who shot and killed an armed man outside the Lakeland Manor Banquet Hall in St. Clair Shores were justified in their actions.
Sheriff Anthony Wickersham says Theoddeus Gray of Detroit, was armed with a pistol that he fired at officers who were called to the hall on the report of a man with a gun. St. Clair Shores police officers returned fire, striking Gray several times including one gunshot wound to his head.
A K-9 officer with the St. Clair Shores Police, Axe, also was killed during the shooting. The sheriff says it remains unclear what bullet struck the dog. Wickersham said he is waiting on the results of a ballistic report. Gray’s weapon jammed after he got off one shot at police.
Wickersham says numerous people inside the hall had guns. He believes that Gray, the man they shot, and others in the hall were planning an armed confrontation. Wickersham says no one on the premises has cooperated with their investigation, including Gray’s family.
Police say Gray had served time in prison for drugs.
Gray’s family, through a spokesman, has denied Gray had a gun and accused police of wrongfully shooting him.