Washtenaw County, Michigan – The state Attorney General’s office has concluded that the four Washtenaw County sheriff’s deputies who fired on John Jenuwine on Jan. 6 will not face criminal charges. The decision was announced by the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday.
Incident overview
Police were dispatched after a report of an assault involving two suspects in a white van that was believed to be armed. When deputies arrived, the van’s lights were off and Jenuwine was behind the wheel. Officers attempted a traffic stop, but Jenuwine continued driving, leading to a pursuit that lasted roughly 14 minutes.
At the intersection of Prospect and Michigan Avenue, the van collided with a sheriff’s vehicle and flipped over. A deputy shouted that the driver had a gun. According to Flood Law, the firm representing Jenuwine’s family, 27 shots were fired by the deputies. An independent autopsy later confirmed that Jenuwine was struck seven times and died from blood loss.
Attorney General’s findings
The Attorney General’s office reviewed dash‑cam footage, the autopsy report, and statements from state police, which indicated that no firearm was found inside the van. Based on that evidence, the office determined that the deputies’ actions did not rise to the level of criminal conduct, and therefore no charges will be filed.
Ongoing internal review
While criminal prosecution will not proceed, the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office said it will continue its own internal investigation. All four deputies remain on administrative leave pending the outcome of that review.
Family attorney Flood Law argued that Jenuwine should never have been targeted, emphasizing the lack of a weapon in the vehicle. The sheriff’s office has not yet released a detailed response to those claims, but it reiterated its commitment to a thorough internal review.
Community response
The decision has drawn mixed reactions from local residents. Some community members expressed relief that the legal process concluded without further criminal proceedings, while others called for greater transparency and accountability from law‑enforcement agencies.
County officials have pledged to keep the public informed as the internal investigation proceeds, and they reaffirmed their dedication to upholding public safety and trust.
Original reporting: Warren | FOX 2 Detroit — read the source article.
