Nathan Clark
Citizen Patriot, Jackson, Mich.
JACKSON, MI — Jackson Police Officer Trent Marcum acted justifiably when he shot a man during a hostage situation in February, Jackson County Prosecutor Jerry Jarzynka has ruled.
In a statement released Tuesday, March 12, Jarzynka cleared Marcum of criminal wrongdoing for shooting parole absconder Corey Catlin in the neck on Feb. 2. Catlin, who survived, was holding his mother hostage at the time.
“Catlin presented an immediate danger of death or great bodily harm to (his mother),” Jarzynka wrote. “Officer Marcum acted properly in defense of (Catlin’s mother) breaking down the front door and then firing at Corey Catlin.”
At about 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, police were dispatched to check on a person inside a home in the 100 block of W. Mansion Street where they heard a man and woman screaming inside, Jackson Director of Police and Fire Services Elmer Hitt said previously.
Calls to 911 from both Catlin’s girlfriend and sister indicated Catlin was intoxicated, suicidal and had mental health issues, according to the Michigan State Police investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
The callers also indicated Catlin wanted to be killed by police, the MSP report said.
After ignoring commands to open the door, Marcum, alongside three supporting JPD officers, kicked in the front door of the home and saw Catlin with his mother in a choke hold with his cellphone in one hand and a knife in the other, police said.
Catlin was broadcasting the incident on Facebook Live and screaming he was going to kill his mother, Jarzynka wrote.
As Catlin moved, appearing as if he was going to stab his mother, Marcum fired one shot striking Catlin in the neck, Jarzynka said. Police subdued Catlin and rushed his mother to safety, administering first aid until medical personnel took over, he said.
Catlin’s mother was taken to Henry Ford Allegiance Heath where she was treated for three stab wounds, one of which caused her right lung to collapse.
Catlin was treated for his injures and returned to the Michigan Department of Corrections for violating parole, records show.
No charges associated with the stabbing of Catlin’s mother have been filed yet, records show.
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©2019 Citizen Patriot, Jackson, Mich.