Trooper who fired Taser before teen's fatal ATV crash has resigned

DETROIT (WJBK) - The Michigan State Police trooper who fired his Taser at a teenager before the 15-year-old crashed an all-terrain vehicle in Detroit and died has resigned -- and could still face criminal charges, police said.

Mark Bessner resigned Sept. 22 and two other state police employees were suspended Sept. 26 in connection with the death of Damon Grimes, state police spokeswoman Shanon Banner said in an email to the Associated Press. Bessner had been suspended amid an ongoing investigation.

In a statement to FOX 2, MSP said that investigators believe the evidence supports criminal charges. The decision of whether to file charges will ultimately be made by the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office. MSP said it started to submit evidence to the prosecutor's office on Friday.

Grimes was killed August 26 in an ATV accident. State police have said Bessner pursued Grimes after he ignored an order to stop, then shot the teen with a Taser. The boy drove over a curb and struck a pickup.

Bessner's attorney has said the trooper had to make a "split-second decision" under tough circumstances.

MORE COVERAGE:
Family files $50M lawsuit against MSP trooper in deadly ATV crash
Patrols suspended in Detroit's 9th Precinct after teen's ATV death
Lawyer says trooper who used Taser on teen had to make 'split-second' decision

Grimes's death prompted protests in the city and a $50 million lawsuit from his family. Prosecutors will review the case for possible charges.

State police have also suspended patrols in the 9th Precinct on Detroit's east side, where they'd been since 2012 as part of the state's Secure Cities Partnership. The area is considered a high-crime portion of Detroit.

The Associated Press contributed to this report