Shots fired, Imlay City man arrested

Bancroft incident leaves neighbors visibly shaken

 

IMLAY CITY — Imlay City police were notified around 10:30 a.m. Saturday of a man allegedly firing off a loaded shotgun inside the city limits.

The Imlay City WinterFest was just getting underway at around the same time of the shooting, but Chief Brett Selby said he was thankful the incident ended with the arrest of the suspect and no further danger to the public during the Winterfest celebration.

According to a press release from the Imlay City police department, police responded to the 400 block of Bancroft in Imlay City, where a 21-year old Imlay City man was reportedly discharging a loaded shotgun in the back yard of his home.

Several neighbors called 911, verifying the male was shooting the shotgun in the back yard.

According to witnesses, as the man fired several shotgun rounds, some of the rounds struck the neighbor’s home and other surrounding property.

After the Imlay City officer arrived within minutes of the initial 911 calls, the officer confronted the armed man from a position of safety, according to Chief Selby.

The 21-year-old resident, Keegan Gerard Jackman, was taken into custody.

He was arraigned in the 71-A District Court in Lapeer earlier this week on several counts involving discharging a firearm and malicious destruction of property including; Intentional Discharge at Dwelling 750.234b (10-year felony); Attempted MDOP of Imlay Police Vehicle (2-year felony); MDOP of LCSD Police Vehicle (4-year felony) Possession of a firearm under Influence (93- day misdemeanor); Reckless discharge (90-day misdemeanor).

Both the Lapeer County Sheriffs patrol car and the Imlay City patrol car will be evaluated this week for damage estimates, as a result of the confrontation.

Both departments will likely seek restitution for the damages to the patrol cars. No booking photo available as of this release.
First arriving Imlay City officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, but the man fired three more rounds.

Chief Selby then said the suspect’s gun jammed, causing him to drop the shotgun.

The Chief said the armed suspect paid no attention to the officer and “may have possibly been under the influence of at least alcohol,” making no attempt to communicate with the officer. Police say the man allegedly fired three more rounds off.

Still the officer chose to use restraint in deescalating the situation through verbal commands and avoiding deadly force, according to the Chief.

Responding officers then took the man into custody, after a brief struggle with law enforcement.

Imlay City police were later assisted by a Lapeer County Sheriff’s deputy, who had his rear window kicked out by the suspect. The suspect also damaged the rear door of the Imlay City Police vehicle.

Imlay City officers canvassed the neighborhood, asking residents to check for damage to their homes and properties.

Chief Selby said of the incident, “The officer should be commended for his actions today (Saturday) in an incident that could have turned tragic for multiple families and residents. The incident ended with the best-case scenario.”

Authorities say if you or anyone in your immediate family is experiencing substance abuse issues and there is a firearm in the home, it is extremely important that we all do our part to be responsible with those firearms.

Proper reporting under the new Extreme Risk Protection order can avoid such tragedies as one of the reporting options available.

The Lapeer County Mental Health, 1570 Suncrest Drive, Lapeer Michigan 48446 phone, 810-667-0500 is ready to provide substance and mental health assistance or your local police or Sheriff’s Office.

No injuries were reported and the case remains under investigation. Chief Selby said Jackman will most likely undergo a mental health evaluation.