Man using garden mower tries to flee cops earlier than pulling out gun and making dire mistake
A man allegedly wanted for a probation violation ended up shooting himself in the hand while trying to escape police.
James Mitchell Kerr, 41, was arrested at his Leoni Township home on September 19 on a felony probation violation warrant, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. When Deputy Robert Henderson arrived, Kerr was reportedly riding a lawn mower and refused to dismount when ordered by Henderson. In an attempt to evade the police, Kerr accelerated the lawn mower. Henderson pursued him on foot until the lawn mower reached a ditch and stopped.
The deputy then aimed his taser at Kerr and ordered him to stop and get off the lawn mower. Ignoring Henderson’s orders, Kerr got off the lawn mower and began to walk away before returning to the mower, grabbing a handgun from it and pointing it at the deputy.
(Image: Jackson County Sheriff’s Office)
Henderson then tased Kerr which reportedly caused him to accidentally shoot himself in the hand, reports the Mirror US. Emergency services rushed to the scene, where Kerr was swiftly taken to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. After being discharged, he found himself behind bars, the sheriff’s office confirmed.
Kerr faces serious charges including assault with intent to murder, felony firearm and resisting and obstructing, with his trial scheduled for November 13.
(Image: Jackson County Sheriff’s Office)
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has called on the Michigan State Police to carry out an independent criminal probe into the shooting, given the complex nature of the incident. Meanwhile, the sheriff’s office is set to conduct its own internal review, as reported by CBS News.
Jackson County Sheriff Gary Schuette spoke to the media, highlighting the unpredictable nature of law enforcement encounters: “This incident underscores how rapidly a seemingly routine encounter can escalate and the potential dangers deputies face daily,” he said. “Thankfully, the deputy was unharmed, and the suspect did not sustain serious injuries.”
The public now has access to the bodycam footage that recorded the entire ordeal. The sheriff’s office confirmed that Deputy Henderson emerged from the incident without injury, and no other casualties were reported.
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