By Ann Zaniewski Detroit Free Press
WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. — A Wayne County jail inmate was fatally shot Friday by a sheriff deputy amid a “violent struggle” that erupted during an ambulance ride, authorities say.
The incident occurred at 4:25 p.m. when Michigan State Police were notified that a deputy of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office was involved in the shooting on the westbound Interstate 94 ramp at I-75, officials said.
State police said the deputy was in a private ambulance, transporting a 23-year-old male prisoner.
The inmate had been in a local hospital undergoing treatment for a pre-existing medical condition and was being transported to Jail Division 1 in Detroit when “a violent struggle ensued inside of the van,” Wayne County Undersheriff Daniel Pfannes said. “The struggle culminated with the sheriff’s deputy discharging his weapon, striking the inmate.”
The officer sustained non life-threatening injuries and the suspect died, Pageant Atterberry of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Friday.
Authorities were not releasing the suspect’s name pending notification of next of kin or detailing what led to his arrest, Pfannes said Friday night.
The deputy is expected to be placed on administrative duties as a homicide task force comprising state and Detroit police officers investigates, he said.
The incident prompted the westbound I-94 ramp to I-75 to be closed for several hours.
At 4 25 PM on 11/23 MSP was notified of a local agency officer involved shooting in the area of W I 94/ I 75. The suspect is dead and the officer sustained non life threatening injuries. There are no other suspects and no danger to the community.
— MSP Metro Detroit (@mspmetrodet) November 23, 2018