The Mackinac County Sheriff’s Office in Michigan has released a body camera video showing a suspect getting shot after pointing a loaded shotgun at deputies earlier this summer. Watch it above.
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Suspect Points Loaded Shotgun
WBPN says the incident kicked off on June 3 at around 6:30 p.m. after the sheriff’s office got a report about a convicted felon in possession of a gun at a home with children present.
Two sheriff’s deputies pulled up started approaching the residence on foot. A man later identified as 39-year-old James Avery Blevins emerged from behind a corner of the house and aimed a shotgun at them.
Upon seeing the weapon, one of the deputies immediately discharged his duty gun, striking Blevins in the hand.
Aftermath
Police arrested Blevins and transported him to McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital for treatment. He initially faced six charges, including felon in possession of a firearm; felon in possession of ammunition; assault with a dangerous weapon; felony firearm possession; dangerous weapon possession-metallic knuckles; and assault with intent to commit murder. Under a plea deal, prosecutors dismissed the last three charges.
According to WLUC, the 11th Circuit Court sentenced Blevins to 30 months to 60 months in prison for the charges late last week. Additionally, his sentence started immediately at Marquette Branch Prison.
“We are happy that this matter is now concluded,” said Mackinac County Sheriff Scott A. Strait. “Deputies train for this regularly and hope that they never are put in this situation. This could have ended very differently, this individual who chose to point a loaded shotgun at a deputy sheriff is very fortunate to be here and the quick reaction by the deputy clearly saved his own life.”