By Nicole Gerring
The Times Herald
ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Mich. — A Marysville police officer who shot a man in the hip while serving criminal warrants will not face criminal charges.
St. Clair County Prosecutor Mike Wendling said he has reviewed a Michigan State Police investigation and other evidence related to the July 18 shooting and has determined that Officer Edward Gerrow was justified in using deadly force.
Police said they were attempting to serve Jeffrey Offenbacher, 44, with warrants when he attempted to escape by crashing through the back door of his Michigan Avenue home.
Offenbacher was wanted on a Macomb County criminal bench warrant for possession of narcotics equipment; a warrant for failure to appear in court from the Chesterfield Police Department; and a Chippewa County warrant for failure to pay child support.
Offenbacher was taken to Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, where he no longer is listed as a patient. His injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.
Officials with the Marysville Police Department said an internal investigation also found that Gerrow was justified in the shooting.
Gerrow, who has been on paid leave since the shooting, will now return to work, Assistant Chief Tim Buelow said.
Wendling said Gerrow told investigators he saw what appeared to be a weapon in Offenbacher’s hand.
When Offenbacher landed on the ground, a 1-foot piece of black PVC pipe was found near him.
Wendling said the report filed by the state police was very thorough. He said supporting evidence, such as testimony, diagrams and medical records, helped establish that the shooting was justified.
Gerrow also told investigators that when Offenbacher ran out of the house, he slammed the door against the side of the house so hard it created a loud sound similar to a gunshot.
Neighbors near the house said they thought they had heard two gunshots, although only one shot was fired by the officer.
“It was reasonable, when confronted with the facts and circumstances of the case,” Wendling said.