The Associate Press
CHARLOTTE, Mich.- A sheriff’s sergeant who claimed a man shot him in the arm while on patrol has been charged with filing a false report after prosecutors say the sergeant actually turned his own gun on himself.
Eaton County sheriff’s Sgt. Jeff Lutz was charged Monday in connection with the March 20 shooting that prompted a massive manhunt for a male suspect in Delta Township and closed a school.
“There is no danger to the community, as far as an unknown assailant who is armed and has assaulted a police officer,” Chief Assistant Prosecutor Mike Eagen said.
Lutz, who is on paid medical leave and is currently at a mental health treatment facility, faces two felonies as well as two misdemeanor counts, including reckless use of a firearm.
He faces a maximum of four years in prison on the two felony charges.
Lutz’s attorney, Greg Michael Hocking, could not be reached for comment Monday by the Lansing State Journal. A message seeking comment was left by The Associated Press for him before business hours Tuesday.