GRPD footage shows exchange of gunfire between two officers and a suspect

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom says at least one building was hit by a bullet Tuesday afternoon during an exchange of gunfire between two GRPD officers and an 18-year-old suspect.

His name had not been released at the time of a Wednesday afternoon news conference at GRPD headquarters. Winstrom told WOOD Radio there that he was waiting for information from the Kent County Prosecutor's Office about which charges would be filed in the case.

The news conference video is posted on WOODTV.com .

Around 1:40 p.m. Tuesday, two officers encountered the 18-year-old man near Adams Street and Blaine Avenue in the Oakdale neighborhood. They called out to him from across the street, and that's when he allegedly turned and opened fire. Winstrom said the two officers shot back, and three videos shown at the news conference appeared to corroborate that account of what happened. The footage was taken from dashcam and bodyworn cameras.

"As an adult, he was known by the field training officer," Winstrom said. "He's known by officers in that neighborhood and, again, was a suspect as an adult in the theft of a firearm."

Michigan State Police are handling the investigation and the two GRPD officers - one a field training officer and the other a new officer - have been placed on leave, which is standard during officer-involved shootings or when officers shoot guns in the field.

Winstrom said at the news conference a handgun was later retrieved by police at the scene, but not from his department. So, until ballistics tests are conducted, there is no indication yet whether that was the same that was used to fire gunshots at police. Winstrom said his review of the video seemed to indicate that the suspect fired four gunshots at the officers. And one officer replied with seven gunshot rounds and the other with two rounds.

"I know at least one building was hit. I believe it was a residence that was hit. Thankfully, no individuals were injured," Winstrom said.

He added that police had an officer safety caution out for the suspect.

"I know the officers in that neighborhood are familiar with him," Winstrom said. "I do not know exactly what happened prior to this. But that's all going to come out in the investigation by the Michigan State Police.

The GRPD now has four officers on paid leave for officer-involved shootings. But Winstrom noted that it is a slower time of year, so the shortage of officers should not have a detrimental impact on policing in the community.

Grand Rapids Police said in a news release that from January 1, 2025 through October 31, 2025, the total number of illegally-possessed firearms taken off the streets by GRPD officers is 415.

Chief Winstrom thanked MSP and East Grand Rapids police for their response.

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