Family disputes police account of fatal shooting of Grand Rapids man

Community members question narrative around death of Da'Quain Johnson, 32, during confrontation with police

Feb. 23, 2026 at 8:34pm

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The family of Da'Quain Johnson, 32, is disputing the police narrative around his fatal shooting by a Grand Rapids officer on Wednesday. While limited body camera footage has been released, Johnson's mother claims he was shot in the back of the head and mauled by a police dog. Community leaders are also questioning the police's account of the incident, which they say does not align with additional video evidence.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and communities of color regarding police use of force, with the family and community members accusing the police of providing an incomplete or misleading narrative. It also raises questions about transparency and independent oversight in investigations of officer-involved shootings.

The details

The Grand Rapids Police Department released limited body camera footage showing officers instructing each other to 'grab his right arm' and stating that Johnson 'has a f***ing gun in his hand.' However, the footage does not clearly show a gun, and Johnson's mother claims he was shot in the back of the head while his hands were behind his back. A bystander video also appears to show Johnson face-down on the ground with his hands behind his back when he was shot from above by an officer. The police chief acknowledged that additional footage from other officers would be released after review.

  • The fatal shooting occurred on Wednesday, February 22, 2026.
  • The Grand Rapids Police Department released limited body camera footage on Thursday, February 23, 2026.
  • Johnson's mother and community leaders held a press conference on Friday, February 24, 2026 to dispute the police narrative.

The players

Da'Quain Johnson

A 32-year-old Grand Rapids resident who was fatally shot by a police officer on February 22, 2026.

Eric Winstrom

The Grand Rapids Police Chief who provided details about the shooting at a press conference.

Robert Womack

A Kent County Commissioner who shared a bystander video of the shooting on social media.

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What they’re saying

“The evidence is there. Y'all couldn't see it, but you will soon enough. But my son was shot in the back of the head. He was mauled in the neck by a dog. And the way he was shot … you could tell that his hands were being held behind his back.”

— Johnson's mother

“It did not appear that Johnson was pulling out a gun before he was shot.”

— Robert Womack, Kent County Commissioner

What’s next

The Michigan State Police are conducting an independent investigation into the shooting, which will be reviewed by the County Prosecutor, the Grand Rapids Police Department's administrative staff, and the Office of Oversight and Public Accountability.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing need for transparency, accountability, and independent oversight in investigations of police use of force, especially in incidents involving communities of color who have long expressed distrust in law enforcement narratives.