Officer Involved in Shooting of Unarmed Suspect on Administrative Leave

DEARBORN, MI – The Dearborn police officer who shot an unarmed man in Detroit last week has been placed on administrative leave, Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad said in a statement that pledged “transparency throughout the investigation.”

The Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office said Kevin Matthews, 35, died of multiple gunshot wounds after he was shot on Dec. 23 by the Dearborn officer, who wasn’t named. Matthews allegedly went for the officer’s gun in a struggle after a foot chase.

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Haddad said the Dearborn Police Department “continues to fully cooperate with the Detroit Police Department as they investigate this incident” and he is confident the investigation will be conducted in a “thorough, fair and timely manner.”

“I am solely responsible as Chief of Police for establishing the objectives and crime prevention strategies that the men and women of the Dearborn Police are tasked with to maintain the good order of our community,” Haddad said. “We will continue to carry out these tasks to ensure that Dearborn remains a safe and welcoming city for our residents and visitors alike.”

Dozens of demonstrators protested outside the Dearborn Police Department headquarters Saturday. They questioned why lethal force was used against Matthews, who was wanted on a $2,500 misdemeanor

Activists wanted to know why lethal force was used at all. Matthews was wanted wanted on a $2,500 misdemeanor warrant and had escaped from police custody earlier in the day Wednesday in connection with a larceny in Dearborn.

The Dearborn police officer was patrolling in Detroit when he spotted Matthews, who reportedly went for the officer’s gun during the struggle.