Michigan Police Chief Attacked By Man With an Axe

A police officer never knows what to expect when responding to a call, especially when it means confronting a man armed with an axe, as one Michigan police chief recently experienced.

Penalty For Attacking a Law Enforcement Officer in Michigan

Police have a hard job because every day, they never know what may happen when responding to a local residence when a complaint is made. Even simple traffic violations have turned into life-threaten situations for hundreds of law enforcement officers working in Michigan.

It is never a good idea to be confrontational toward any law enforcement officer and there are penalties for doing so. Attacking or obstructing a police officer in Michigan is a felony with penalties ranging from 2 to 20 years in prison depending on the severity of the injury. Even without injury, that is a felony punishable by up to 2 years in prison and a $2,000 fine.

Read More: Parents Criticized in Michigan Child Pool Drowning

These charges apply if the individual knows or has reason to know the person is a police officer or emergency responder performing their duties. The charge can be applied even if the underlying arrest was unlawful.

Man With Axe Attacks Police Chief in Michigan

According to MLive, Kingston Police Chief Albert Pearsall responded to a call to a local residence when a suspect began to swing an axe at the entrance of the home. Pearsall was quick thinking when he grabbed a nearby snow shovel to fend off the attack.

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The suspect is 34-year-old Dale A. Ford who quickly retreated back into the home when Pearsall defended himself against the attack. Ford proceeded to a standoff that later ended peacefully with no one getting injured.

Ford is now facing 16 counts of assaulting, resisting, or obstructing a police officer. He is in custody at the Tuscola County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

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