Cops: James Kerr reached for a concealed weapon before being tased. Recently released police bodycam video appears to capture a Michigan man driving a riding mower, failing to stop for a police officer before he was tased and accidentally shot himself in the hand.
According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, police arrested a man with several warrants after responding to a residence in Leoni Township on September 19.
When the deputies arrived at the home, they arrested James Mitchell Kerr, 41, for allegedly not getting off a riding lawnmower.
According to police, As the deputy approached him, Kerr rode off after revving his engine at him.
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Kerr allegedly failed to comply, even when the mower finally came to rest in a ditch, with the officer threatening to tase him.
Police say Kerr “completely disregarded” the deputy’s orders, got back on the mower, pulled out a concealed weapon, and pointed it at the deputy.
The deputy retaliated with his stun gun, firing at Kerr; this resulted in Kerr shooting himself in the hand.
Kerr was treated and released from a local hospital for the gunshot wound. The deputy was not injured.
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, said, “This incident highlights how rapidly a routine encounter can turn unfavourable and the everyday hazards that deputies experience.” “Fortunately, the deputy was uninjured and the suspect seriously injured.”
After being cleared, Kerr was arrested and released on bond.
While the sheriff’s office conducted an internal investigation, Jackson County Sheriff Gary Schuette also requested the Michigan State Police conduct a separate criminal investigation. According to a release, the internal investigation found no policy violations occurred during the incident.
Kerr was bound for trial in circuit court last week after being charged in October. He remains lodged in the Jackson County Jail.
