DEWITT, MICH. (WWJ) -- An mid-Michigan police officer is facing criminal charges for pulling his gun on a Black delivery man while off-duty last year.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced assault, weapons and misconduct in office charges against DeWitt officer Chad Vorce on Thursday.
Investigators said that on Jan. 14, 2021, the Clinton County officer was following a man delivering newspapers in his neighborhood because he said they were driving erratically.
According to the AG's office, the 18-year police veteran followed the van out of the neighborhood, which is west of Airport Road and roughly a mile north of I-69.
Shortly after 7 a.m., Vorce twice drew his firearm while off-duty -- and outside of his jurisdiction. The first time he pulled out his weapon was on Airport Road.
The second time he drew his firearm was when he approached the van in a gas station parking lot and thought the 19-year-old Black delivery driver was a suspect in recent break-ins.
On-duty law enforcement from both DeWitt police and Michigan State Police ultimately arrived on scene at the gas station.
The Department of Attorney General was asked to review the case in January of this year, and after thorough review, Vorce was charged Thursday afternoon with the following in Clinton County’s 65A District Court:
Related
• Assault with a dangerous weapon (felonious assault), a felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison and/or $2,000
• Weapons – felony firearm, a felony punishable by two years consecutively with and preceding any term of imprisonment imposed for the felony or attempted felony conviction
• Misconduct in office, a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or $10,000.
“Our assessment of this incident showed dangerous behavior exhibited by Mr. Vorce,” Nessel said. “Those who swear to protect and serve must do so responsibly. We will not hesitate to hold accountable those who violate that oath.”
Related
Vorce's attorney says the officer is innocent.
A preliminary exam is scheduled for April 28 at 2 p.m. in front of Judge Michael E. Clarizio in the 65A District Court.