EXETER TOWNSHIP (WWJ) The suspect killed in an officer-involved shooting by a Monroe County Deputy Sheriff was a man with a criminal history, the sheriff's office said.
They identified the suspect as Brian Donald Miller, 47 of Willis.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office (MCSO); Miller had a history of criminal activity including Domestic Violence, Larceny, and Resisting and Obstructing Law Enforcement. At the time of the shooting, Miller was wanted by the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office on two warrants for failure to appear on charges of Larceny and Resisting and Obstructing. He had been previously released from custody on a $10,000 cash surety bond on the larceny charge, and a personal recognizance bond for his Resisting and Obstruction Law Enforcement charge.
Sheriff's Office chaplains notified his family of his death, according to the MCSO.
The MSCO said the Deputy Sheriff was called to Hoffman near Palmer in London Township in regards to a suspicious subject on Saturday (December 28th) around 10:56 a.m. While the Deputy Sheriff investigated the incident, he received a second call of a suspicious subject matching the description of the person he was investigating on Hoffman. That call came from about five miles away—on Blue Bush near Mock—around 11:30 a.m.
“The Deputy Sheriff responded to the Blue Bush address and located (Miller) who immediately engaged and began physically assaulting the Deputy Sheriff,” the MCSO press release said. “During the assault, the Deputy Sheriff discharged his firearm, striking the suspect.”
Miller was pronounced dead at the scene after the shooting.
"The Monroe County Sheriff's Office and the men and women who serve and protect extend their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Miller...." the MCSO said. "We are also keeping our deputy involved in the incident in our thoughts and prayers."
The Deputy Sheriff was taken to the hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries from the assault.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an independent review of the incident. The Deputy has been placed on administrative duty, the MCSO said.
"No one sought this tragic outcome and loss of life," they said.
MSCO said they are aware of witnesses who left the scene as backup officers arrived. They’re asking any witnesses to call the Monroe County Central Dispatch at (734) 243-7070.
This is a developing story. Stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 on air, online and on the Audacy app for the latest information.