Mich. Police Chief Fights Off Ax-Swinging Man with Snow Shovel
What to know
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Kingston Police Chief Albert Pearsall used a snow shovel to defend himself and other officers when a suspect allegedly swung an ax at them during a Feb. 4 call.
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Police retreated, later resolving the standoff peacefully, and no injuries were reported.
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The 34-year-old suspect was taken into custody and arraigned on multiple felony charges, including assault with intent to murder and 16 counts of assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer.
KINGSTON, MI—A Michigan police chief reportedly defended himself and other officials against an attack from an ax-wielding suspect earlier this month with a snow shovel.
Now, the subject faces multiple felonies and 16 counts of assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer.
Kingston Police Chief Albert Pearsall was responding to a local residence on Wednesday, Feb. 4, WJRT-TV reported, over complaints of a subject driving away a motor vehicle and an illegal burn when the suspect began to swing an ax at the entrance of the home.
Although accompanied by other police officers, the village chief picked up a nearby snow shovel to fend of the attack. The Tuscola County Advertiser reported the incident occurred around 2:30 p.m., attributing the attack to 34-year-old Dale A. Ford.
Authorities quickly retreated after the attack, according to WJRT, while Ford remained inside the residence. A standoff later ended peacefully and with no injuries.
According to the local district court, Ford was arraigned on a host of charges Feb. 6. Those also include individual counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder; carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent; assault with a dangerous weapon or felonious assault; and assault with intent to murder, which is punishable by up to life in prison.
Bond for Ford was set at $250,000. He remained in custody at the Tuscola County Jail.
Ford was scheduled to appear in court for a probable cause hearing Feb. 18 and a preliminary examination Feb. 25.
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