Mich. Police Officer's Vest Stops Bullet that Passes Through Cuffs
What to know
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Traverse City police released new details about a foot chase and shootout last month after two teens allegedly fled a downtown crime spree tied to a fatal parking ramp shooting.
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An officer was struck by a round that penetrated his handcuff case and passed through his cuffs before it was stopped by the officer’s ballistic vest.
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A 17-year-old suspect faces homicide and assault-on-an-officer charges and was ordered to undergo a competency evaluation, while an 18-year-old co-defendant is charged with felony murder with his case.
TRAVERSE CITY, MI — Police are releasing more details about the foot chase and gunfire that ensued after two teenagers allegedly fled from a fatal shooting and a string of larcenies in downtown Traverse City last month.
Lawrence Boyd IV, 32, was fatally shot while working at a city parking ramp on Saturday, Nov. 15. His body was discovered the next morning. The slaying, which was captured on surveillance video, was linked to an overnight crime spree on East State Street.
Eugene Thompson, 17, who is accused of fatally shooting Boyd, is also facing charges of assaulting, resisting, or obstructing a police officer.
The Traverse City Police Department released additional details and images today regarding the shots fired at officers.
An officer was struck by a round which penetrated the officer’s handcuff case and passed through his handcuffs before being stopped by his ballistic vest, according to police.
Police were initially called due to a string of larcenies from vehicles in downtown Traverse City.
Security cameras linked the teens to the homicide of Boyd after his body was found, along with five shell casings at the scene.
A judge ordered a competency evaluation for Thompson on Tuesday, Dec. 9. There is no set timeline for when the evaluation will take place.
Hunter Vanderwall, 18, is charged with felony murder and other crimes. His case is delayed until February due to a “volume of discovery,” Chief Assistant Prosecutor Kyle Attwood said.
Boyd was the only child of Larry Boyd III and Kristina Hooper. He is also survived by his stepmother Karen Boyd, girlfriend Amanda Evans and other family and friends.
His funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Mission Hill Church in Traverse City.
Memorial contributions in his honor can be directed to Project Feed the Kids or to the Cherryland Humane Society, the obituary says.
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