GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A man who allegedly shot a BB gun at Grand Rapids police officers, took off on a moped and then crashed into a car faces six criminal charges.
Anthony Duc Nguyen, 43, of Wyoming is being charged with third-degree fleeing police, a five-year felony; malicious destruction of police property, a four-year felony; carrying a concealed weapon, a five-year felony; and three counts of assault on a police officer, a two-year felony.
The Grand Rapids Police Department said officers didn't realize Nguyen using a BB gun rather than an actual firearm until after he was in custody. Regardless, officers never fired a shot or used a Taser to stop him.
The incident began at Joe Taylor Park on the city's southeast side shortly after 7 a.m. Sunday. GRPD says Nguyen walked up to an officer's cruiser with a gun. Smartphone video captured from a home across the street recorded officers telling Nguyen to drop his weapon.
"The man pointed a handgun at (the officer) and delivered several rounds, striking the police cruiser," GRPD Sgt. Cathy Williams said.
Williams says the officer called for backup and multiple units responded. GRPD and witnesses say Nguyen then got on a moped and took off.
"At this point, though out the incident, he had leveled his handgun and delivered rounds at four separate officers," Williams said.
The suspect then took off to Fuller Avenue and drove head-on into a stopped car near Lake Drive.
"We believe at this time, based on the individual's statements requesting the officers shoot him, that this was an attempt at suicide by cop," Williams said.
But officers didn't shoot him. After they took him into custody, they determined the gun he had was actually an airsoft gun.
Neighbors said they are happy with the way police reacted and hope officers continue to use restraint in these situations.
GRPD says officers are trained to make split-second decisions on when to fire their weapons.
24 Hour News 8's request for a copy of the officers' body camera footage was denied Monday. However, the video may be available later this week.