## Kent County Prosecutor Announces Decision in Deadly Shooting

KENT COUNTY, Mich. — The officer who fatally shot Da'Quain Johnson on February 18 will not face criminal charges, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker announced Thursday, April 2.

"I cannot show that the decision of Officer Christopher Carlson for the Grand Rapids Police Department to use deadly force that night was not honest and reasonable," Becker said during a press conference.

Becker said he was unable to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officer did not act in self-defense. The prosecutor reviewed evidence from the Michigan State Police investigation, which had taken over the case from the GRPD.

## The Shooting

Johnson, 32, was riding his bicycle on Eastern Avenue SE when police received reports of a man on a bike with a gun. Officers chased Johnson for about 90 seconds before continuing the pursuit on foot in the parking lot of the Eastern Lofts Apartment complex near MLK Jr. Street and Eastern Avenue.

Dash camera footage released by the Grand Rapids Police Department shows Johnson getting off his bike and falling to the ground. A police K-9 was deployed and latched onto Johnson's arm.

During the struggle, one officer shouted that Johnson had a gun before firing multiple shots. Johnson was taken to a hospital where he died from gunshot wounds to his back.

The Michigan State Police report, obtained by 13 On Your Side through a records request, stated that investigators saw video evidence showing Johnson's right elbow "flare outward," a motion "consistent with pulling an object from their waistband."

Investigators said the GRPD recovered a tan and black 9mm pistol near Johnson's body, loaded with eight rounds in the magazine and one round chambered.

## Carlson Has Prior History

Becker named Officer Carlson as one of the officers who fired a shot at a suspect in another fatal incident in November 2024. The man was shot and killed near Trinity Health Hospital after carrying a lighter that resembled a handgun and refusing to follow orders.

In that case, the GRPD determined the incident was likely "suicide by cop." Becker also decided not to pursue charges in that incident, saying the officers were justified in using their weapons.

Carlson joined the GRPD in 2019, according to an MLive article about that year's cadet class.

## Family Rejects the Decision

Johnson's mother, Angelica Johnson, vehemently criticized the prosecutor's decision at a news conference where her family gathered in the lobby of the Michigan State Police headquarters.

"I, in my bones, don't believe that my son had a gun in his hands," Angelica Johnson said. "He stepped on Daquan's right arm way before the shots were fired, you're standing on his arm, and you're yelling after you stood on his arm, gun, gun."

Her attorneys, Ben Crump and Ven Johnson, issued a statement after Becker's announcement.

"We are continuing our own independent investigation into this shooting and will work to ensure the full truth comes to light," the attorneys said. "The Johnson family deserves answers and we intend to help them get those answers."

Angelica Johnson said she plans to contact the office of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel as the next step.

"I'm not mad, because he's just the beginning. He doesn't have the final say," she said. "It doesn't stop with Chris Becker. Chris Becker is a joke. There's levels to this, and I will continue to fight."

## Community Division

The shooting has sparked protests and community pushback. Hundreds attended a rally on March 1, with Angelica Johnson appearing at the event and a City Commission meeting.

"I will get justice," Angelica Johnson said at the rally. "I will get justice. I won't sit back."

## City Response

Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington said he has been reviewing data on officer-involved shootings over the past five years and wants to examine the department's pursuit and K-9 policies, as well as the civilian appeals board.

"I understand this news evokes strong emotions, especially for those that have been directly impacted by this incident," Washington said. "However, my work and the City's internal work is not finished."

Washington has directed the GRPD and the Office of Oversight and Public Accountability to move forward with their own administrative reviews to ensure all department policies were upheld.

Interim Chief of Police Joe Trigg said while the Michigan State Police investigation has concluded, he knows the family and community are still in mourning.

"While this decision concludes the independent criminal investigation by the Michigan State Police, we remain mindful that a family is mourning and our community is still processing a very difficult event," Trigg said. "As Interim Chief, I want to be clear that my priorities are the safety of this community and the integrity of the Grand Rapids Police Department."