by Austin Marsman

A Michigan State Police officer who shot a Middleville man in April has been cleared of any wrongdoing in the incident.

The Barry County Prosecutor’s Office, in a news release, said evidence showed Trooper David Williams was acting in self-defense and in the defense of another when he shot Middleville man Ryan Miller.

The events occurred April 2 in the parking lot at Thornapple Valley Church on M-43, near Hastings.

Acting on a tip that Miller would be at the church, police were attempting to arrest Miller on felony warrants When authorities arrived, Miller tried to get away, but MSP Trooper Williams blocked him from exiting the lot.

At that point, Miller got out of his vehicle and pulled out what appeared to be a black handgun from his coat after ignoring Williams’ commands to get on the ground. Prosecutors said Miller continued to point the weapon, which was later found to be a BB gun, at police which ultimately led to him getting shot in the shoulder and foot.

Trooper Williams and Miller’s girlfriend, who was in his vehicle at the time of the incident, were unharmed. However, his girlfriend’s dog was killed.

Miller has since been arraigned on charges unrelated to the shooting and is being charged with several offenses in connection with the April 2 incident, including carrying a weapon with unlawful intent, three counts of felony firearm, felonious assault, resisting and obstructing a police officer, and cruelty to animals causing death.