COLDWATER, MI — A Michigan State Police trooper in Coldwater has been placed on administrative leave after shooting and killing an armed man on Monday, March 18.
A trooper with the Michigan State Police Emergency Support Team (ES Team) fired at Richard Wilkinson, 32, after Wilkinson confronted officers with an “AR-style rifle,” according to an MSP press release. MSP was assisting the Coldwater Police Department Tuesday night in serving an arrest warrant for Wilkinson at a residence on Lucky Drive in Coldwater.
Wilkinson was wanted for multiple felonies including home invasion. Wilkinson was the resident of the property where the warrant was served.
The state trooper was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation, per normal MSP procedures.
After the investigation is done, findings will be submitted to the Branch County Prosecuting Attorney’s office for review. Anybody with information about the incident should contact the Michigan State Police.
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