Deputies are cleared of any wrongdoing

Return to work after investigation by Prosecutor

 

LAPEER CO. — Prosecutors here have ruled the two deputies who shot their issued weapons at a murder suspect following a chase in eastern Lapeer County was “legally justified.”

The deputies, who reportedly did not receive any injuries in the incident, returned to work last week.

According to reports, the use of force by the two deputies who fired gunshots at William Channer was legal.

Channer is accused of shooting and killing 30-year-old Logan Welch at an Almont Twp. business Nov. 5.

Almont Police Chief Daniel Willis said Channer allegedly walked into Trims Unlimited on M-53, just north of Almont, around 8:30 a.m. November 5 and fired at least one shot at Welch, who worked as the plant manager.

According to multiple reports, Channer had been terminated from the business prior to the shooting.

Welch was rushed to McLaren Lapeer Regional Hospital where he succumbed to his gunshot wounds.

Channer fled the scene in a vehicle after the shooting and was spotted by Imlay City police officers driving on I-69. They attempted a traffic stop after additional patrol units joined the pursuit.

However, police say Channer sped away south on Lake Pleasant Rd. and led police on a high speed chase.

Michigan State Police Lt. Kim Vetter said the chase ended in the 2000 block of East Sutton Road, west of Wilder Road near Metamora.

Lt. Vetter reported Channer got out of his vehicle and engaged in an armed encounter with the deputies, who shot Channer multiple times.

According to MSP investigation, five patrol units from various law enforcement agencies, including Imlay City and Dryden Twp., sustained varying amounts of damage during the chase.

Channer suffered serious injuries from the gunshots and remained hospitalized late last week.

He is under arrest and was arraigned while in his hospital bed a few days after the shooting.

His attorney participated in a Probable Cause hearing Nov. 10 on Channer’s behalf where he requested a forensic examination on Channer, to determine criminal responsibility and a determination to be made on his competency to stand trial.

71st District Court Judge Laura Cheger Barnard granted the motion.

Channer’s hospital room was being guarded by two deputies, 24/7 as of late last week, according to Prosecutor John Miller.

Channer is facing five felony charges including first-degree premeditated murder, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, using a firearm to commit a felony and fleeing and eluding law enforcement.