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AG Nessel: No criminal charges against officers in 2018 death of Theo Gray

Posted at 4:55 PM, Jul 24, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-24 17:00:39-04

(WXYZ) — The Michigan Attorney General's office said it did not find evidence to seek criminal charges against officers involved in the 2018 fatal shooting of Theoddeus Gray.

Hundreds attend funeral for man killed in police-involved shooting in St. Clair Shores

St. Clair Shores police officers shot Gray in November 2018 at the Lakeland Manor Banquet Hall in St. Clair Shores. A police K-9 was also killed during the incident.

Attorney General Dana Nessel's office reviewed the case after the Macomb County Sheriff's Office cleared the officers of any wrongdoing.

“This report is part of my office’s commitment to transparency and accountability,” Nessel said. “We never want the response of law enforcement to escalate into lethal use of force. However, when that does occur, our job is to obtain and review all evidence before deciding whether any criminal wrongdoing took place according to existing law. In this particular case, the evidence suggests that the actions of the St. Clair Shores police officers do not warrant criminal charges."

Nessel's office said based on evidence, the report indicates Gray was causing a disturbance by brandishing a handgun at the banquet hall, causing some people there to fear for their safety.

When police arrived, Nessel's office said, Gray ignored their requests to talk and their commands to stop. When fleeing from police, Gray used his weapon to fire a round at the officers, who then returned fire, ultimately resulting in Gray’s death.