5/7/13 - The Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office announced today that the shooting of a man by a Michigan State Trooper and Green Oak Township Police Officer was justified. 31-year-old Kevin William Hassell was hit and killed during the exchange and later died at a hospital. A release issued today says an autopsy confirmed that Hassell died from gunshot wounds. Police chased Hassell from a home on Bishop Road in Green Oak Township where a breaking and entering was reported to his motherâs residence on Twilight Drive, where the shooting occurred February 18th. Hassell is alleged to have fired on officers as he exited his vehicle and multiple shots were fired inside of the home by the three. According to an investigation by the Michigan State Police, Hassell produced a handgun, raised it, and pointed it towards the Green Oak officer as he approached Hassellâs vehicle. The officer then responded by firing one round through the passenger window of the vehicle towards Hassell. The investigation shows the trooper pursued Hassell into the house and followed him upstairs, where Hassell yelled that he had a gun. The trooper followed Hassell into an upstairs room and saw Hassell raise a handgun at him. The trooper then responded by firing his weapon at Hassell, and the trooper fell back down the stairs. From the first floor, both officers then observed Hassell point a gun at them and fire it towards them. Police returned fire and the scene was eventually secured by officers from multiple departments. Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt says the officers acted reasonably and lawfully under the circumstances, noting the shooting of Mr. Hassell was completely justified. The complete details be found in the attached release. (JM)
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