Prosecutor Determines Officer Acted in Self-Defense

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker announced Thursday that he will not file criminal charges against Grand Rapids Police Officer Christopher Carlson in the fatal shooting of Da'Quain Johnson on February 18.

Becker held a press conference at Michigan State Police district headquarters to announce the decision. He determined that Carlson's use of deadly force was justified under Michigan law.

"I cannot show that the decision by Officer Christopher Carlson of the Grand Rapids Police Department to use deadly force that night was not honest and reasonable," Becker said. "Putting it another way — in terms of when a self-defense claim or defense-of-others claim is raised — I have to prove that beyond a reasonable doubt that they did not act in self-defense. And based on the facts and circumstances, as I see them, I just cannot simply do that."

The shooting occurred in a parking lot at Eastern Avenue and Logan Street. Video footage showed Johnson fleeing from officers on a bicycle when a police K-9 ran and bit him. Officers then attempted to subdue Johnson on the ground.

Investigators believe Johnson reached for a loaded gun, prompting Carlson to fire. Three shots were fired, two of which struck Johnson in the back. Forensic evidence and multiple video sources confirmed a loaded 9mm pistol fell from Johnson's hand immediately after the shots were fired.

Tactical Indicators Triggered Fatal Encounter

The incident began when the Grand Rapids police Vice Unit received a tip from a confidential informant that Johnson was armed near a local liquor store. After Johnson fled from a secondary traffic stop on a bicycle, a 90-second pursuit ended with Johnson being brought down by the K-9.

During the struggle on the ground, Officer Austin Diekevers observed Johnson's arm at a "45-degree bend," a specific posture taught in police training as a signal that a suspect is reaching for a concealed firearm. This observation led the officers to escalate their commands and physical restraint before the situation turned lethal.

Becker emphasized that Carlson's belief that his life was in danger was reasonable given the presence of a loaded Taurus 9mm pistol at the scene and the split-second nature of the confrontation.

"Despite the bad optics of the video footage, Becker maintained that Carlson's belief that his life was in danger was reasonable given the presence of a loaded Taurus 9mm pistol at the scene and the split-second nature of the confrontation." — mlive.com

Family Rejects Ruling and Seeks State Investigation

Angelica Johnson, Da'Quain's mother, condemned the ruling as a "green light to kill" and announced plans to appeal the decision to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel for a higher-level review.

She argued that the footage showed her son being held down by a K-9 and having his arm stood upon by an officer at the time of the shooting. She questioned why deadly force was necessary under such heavy restraint.

Refusing to meet with Becker after the press conference, she announced her intention to bring the case to the state Attorney General for a secondary review.

City Officials Launch Administrative Reviews

While the criminal investigation by the Michigan State Police has officially concluded, Grand Rapids Interim Police Chief Joe Trigg confirmed that the department will now initiate an internal administrative review. The process is designed to ensure that both Carlson and Diekevers adhered strictly to internal department policies and procedures during the fatal encounter.

"Now that the Prosecutor has cleared the officers of criminal wrongdoing, we will begin our comprehensive internal administrative review, consistent with policy, to ensure our high standards and department policies were strictly followed." — Trigg

City Manager Mark Washington also directed the Office of Oversight and Public Accountability to move forward with a separate review of the incident.

Mayor David LaGrand issued a statement acknowledging the pain of the situation while respecting the independence of the Prosecutor's Office.

"I respect the independence of the Prosecutor's Office and the Michigan State Police investigation, but I also recognize that this news is deeply painful for many in our community." — LaGrand

The City of Grand Rapids has partnered with the Wisdom Center to offer free counseling and mental health services to community members affected by the shooting.

Carlson's History and Comparisons

This marks the second fatal shooting Carlson has been involved in within the last year. He was previously cleared in a 2024 incident involving a man armed with a lighter that resembled a gun.

Becker noted inevitable comparisons to the 2022 killing of Patrick Lyoya by a Grand Rapids officer. However, he distinguished Johnson's case by highlighting the verified presence of a firearm, which he argued significantly altered the legal landscape compared to the unarmed struggle in the Lyoya investigation.

Three GRPD officers were placed on leave while the Michigan State Police investigated the incident.

"We remain mindful that a family is mourning and our community is still processing a very difficult event." — Interim Chief Joe Trigg