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Couple to stand trial after woman allegedly bit Washtenaw County deputy during arrest in Ypsilanti

By Amber Ainsworth
Published  October 18, 2021 5:22pm EDT
Crime and Public Safety
FOX 2 Detroit

YPSILANTI, Mich. (FOX 2) - On Monday, a judge ordered a couple to stand trial after a woman allegedly bit a Washtenaw County sheriff's deputy while he was investigating a shooting last year in Ypsilanti.

Officials said that Shatina Grady El and her husband Daniel were interfering with the investigation on May 26, 2020, so Deputy Austin Pearson began arresting them. 

While arresting Shatina Grady El, she is accused of biting Pearson's arm. He punched her in the head three times, and she released his arm. However, she allegedly then bit his other arm, scratched his head, and kicked at other officers. She is also accused of kicking the door of the patrol car, damaging it.

After watching video and reviewing other evidence, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said Pearson's use of force was justified.

MORE: Sheriff releases bodycam video after woman punched

"While we will not condone conduct by the police which endangers the public, neither will we tolerate actions by private citizens which interferes with a police investigation or threatens the safety of our law enforcement officers," Nessel said. 

She charged Shatina Grady El with three counts of resisting and obstructing an officer; one count of resisting and obstructing an officer causing injury; and one count of malicious destruction of police property.

Daniel Grady El was charged with two counts of resisting and obstructing an officer.

The couple is set to appear in court via Zoom on Nov. 29.

No charges filed against Washtenaw County deputy who punched woman during arrest

Michigan's Attorney General ruled a Washtenaw County deputy acted appropriately when he punched a woman during an arrest in May after she bit him and kicked at other officers.