Michigan Deputy Wounded In Hatchet Attack During Welfare Check

Ellis Township, MI – Michigan sheriff’s deputies shot an armed suspect on Thursday after he attacked and wounded a deputy with a hatchet.

The Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Office said the incident occurred at about 11:52 a.m. on Feb. 10 at a residence on Afton Road in Ellis Township, WDIV reported.

The sheriff’s department said someone called 911 and said a woman who was inside the residence had reached out to a family member via text and said she was in trouble and needed help.

Cheboygan County Sheriff Dale Clarmont said sheriff’s deputies responded to the address to do a welfare check on the woman and were greeted by 32-year-old Aian Thomas Tracy who was carrying a hatchet, WDIV reported.

The Michigan State Police said that as soon as deputies made entry to the home, Tracy began swinging his hatchet.

One deputy was struck in the neck area and wounded, WPBN reported.

Sheriff Clarmont said that when Tracy swung his hatchet and struck one deputy, the other deputies opened fire on him.

The armed suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, WPBN reported.

Sheriff Clarmont said the wounded deputy was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The sheriff said the hero was expected to make a full recovery, WPBN reported.

Michigan State Police said there was a woman and several children inside the home when the incident occurred.

Officials said that none of them were injured, WPBN reported.

Sheriff Clarmont stood behind the decisions made by his sheriff’s deputies at the scene.

He said the deputies “responded in accordance with departmental policy and training,” WPBN reported.

The Michigan State Police is heading up the investigation in the officer-involved shooting, WDIV reported.

The investigation is ongoing and an autopsy for Tracy has been scheduled in Grand Rapids.