Man wanted for absconding shot by police on Belle Isle during arrest attempt

BELLE ISLE, Mich. (FOX 2) - A 34-year-old man was shot on Belle Isle while police were trying to take him into custody late Monday morning.

A large police presence that included officers from the sheriff's office, Detroit police, and Michigan State Police was observed on Belle Isle around 11:30 a.m. – stretching from the island’s golf course, to a wooded swamp, where investigators say the shooting took place.

According to MSP, the Wayne County Sheriff tether unit was attempting to arrest a criminal sexual conduct suspect who failed to show up for trial.

An electronic monitor helped the tether unit track down the suspect at Belle Isle. He was armed and pointed a rifle at officers, according to police.

"The officers fired in defense," said Scott Gatti, the chief of operations for the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office. "Because of the subject's proximity to the water, he apparently fell into the water. The officers immediately retrieved him and immediately rendered aid."

He was taken to a local hospital, where he is in stable condition. The sheriff's office said he was conscious and talking after the shooting.

"A 9mm rifle was recovered from the scene," MSP wrote on social media. "There were no injuries to the public or police." 

The department is now overseeing the investigation.

No other information was made available, however, SkyFOX did observe the scene near the shoreline where a long gun was on the ground.