GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Editor's note: The body camera footage shared by the Grand Rapids Police Department may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
Grand Rapids Police shared short clips of body camera footage from two officers who shot a man suspected of breaking into multiple vehicles Thursday.
The incident happened around 1:45 a.m. when GRPD received reports of a man breaking into vehicles in the 3000 block of Forrester Street SE. In a news conference Thursday afternoon, GRPD Chief Eric Winstrom shared a recording of the 911 call that alerted police to a man trying to open car doors.
Two officers driving in one squad car responded to that area.
Police claim the suspect ran away and then aimed a gun at officers. Both officers fired multiple shots at him.
Winstrom said the man, a 26-year-old, was hit multiple times and remains in serious condition. He is expected to survive.
“I am committed to transparency and that includes releasing video of critical incidents as soon as possible without impacting ongoing investigations,” said Chief Eric Winstrom. “The video is a compilation of clips in GRPD’s possession to provide the context and circumstances of the use of force.”
Michigan State Police, who have taken over the investigation, recovered the suspect's weapon from the scene. It is unclear at this time if the suspect fired any shots.
Neither officer involved has been identified, but Winstrom said both officers have less than 10 years on the force with great reputations.
The involved officers have been placed on critical incident leave until the investigation is complete.
Winstrom said the officers are "very shaken up" following the shooting and that neither have been involved in a shooting previously.
Winstrom said the incident is not believed to be connected to the Kia Boyz, a group of teenagers who steal cars for fun or use them to commit crimes.
GRPD Chief reviews, shares body cam video of officers shooting suspect Thursday morning
With this increase in car thefts across West Michigan, Winstrom recommends parking in well-lit areas or indoors when possible. He also encouraged people to report suspicious activity, like neighbors did in this incident.
Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to contact the Michigan State Police at 616-866-6660 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
Watch the full briefing with Chief Winstrom:
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