No Charges for Officer in DaQuain Johnson Shooting, Family to Appeal

GRAND RAPIDS — Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker cleared Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Carlson of criminal charges, ruling the fatal shooting of DaQuain Johnson was a justified act of self-defense. The encounter began with a confidential informant's tip and escalated when two officers interpreted Johnson's physical movements as a tactical signal that he was reaching for a concealed weapon.

Carlson, who fired the fatal shots, and Officer Austin Diekevers were trying to arrest Johnson on Feb. 18 for a possible weapons violation when the shooting occurred.

Prosecutor Ruling

While no camera captured the gun pointed at the officer, video and forensic evidence confirmed a loaded 9mm pistol fell from Johnson's hand immediately after the shots were fired.

Becker determined that Carlson acted within the bounds of Michigan law, which permits deadly force when an individual honestly and reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm.

Becker emphasized that the legal burden rests on the prosecution to disprove a self-defense claim beyond a reasonable doubt — a standard he concluded could not be met in this case.

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.

Tactical Situation

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 a police K-9.

During the struggle on the ground, 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.

While no single camera angle captured Johnson pointing a gun directly at Carlson, forensic evidence and multiple video sources confirmed the presence of a firearm. Following three shots fired by Carlson — two of which struck Johnson in the back — available security and bystander footage showed a tan handgun falling from Johnson's right hand as he rolled onto his back.

Family Rejects Ruling

Angelica Johnson, DaQuain's mother, vehemently criticized the prosecutor's decision, describing the lack of charges as a "green light to kill at will" for the Grand Rapids Police Department.

She argued that the footage showed her son was being held down by a K-9 and having his arm stood upon by an officer at the time of the shooting, questioning 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 Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel for a secondary review, framing the struggle as a fight for the safety of her remaining family in the community.

Officer's Prior History

The decision to clear Carlson is compounded by his recent history and the city's sensitive legal climate regarding police conduct. This marks the second fatal shooting Carlson has been involved in within the last year, having been previously cleared in a 2024 incident involving a man armed with a lighter that resembled a gun.

Becker noted the 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.

Internal Reviews Launched

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.

Trigg expressed gratitude for the "immense professionalism" shown by his officers despite the high-stress environment and intense public scrutiny following the event.

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

Johnson's Statement

Angelica Johnson said she expected Kent County prosecutors would not pursue charges against the two officers involved in DaQuain's death. The mom stood outside the Michigan State Police 6th District Headquarters in Walker shortly after Prosecutor Chris Becker's announcement.

She spoke with media outlets while Kent County Commissioner Robert S. Womack stood beside her.

Johnson said the videos Becker released showed her son was being restrained to a greater degree than she first imagined.

"You're standing on his arm and you're yelling, after you're standing on his arm, 'Gun, gun,'" she said.

Johnson said she had a brief conversation with Becker before his announcement. The phone call was quick, she said, and what she was told came as no surprise.

"I'm just going to go to the next level," Johnson said. She nodded her head "yes" when asked if that meant a review by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Johnson said she was not convinced the video showed her son had a firearm.

"I'm not just fighting for DaQuain," Johnson said. "I've got grandkids. I've got cousins. I have family that is still in Grand Rapids and we have to worry if they're going to get gunned down like DaQuain."