Partial body-camera footage shows police shooting Grand Rapids man

Police released video of the incident that led to the fatal shooting of Da'Quan Johnson.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Grand Rapids police released partial body-camera and in-car camera footage showing the moments leading up to the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Da'Quan Johnson on the city's southeast side. The video shows police trying to stop Johnson, who was riding a bicycle, before a K-9 officer released a dog. Two officers then approached Johnson and told him to 'stop reaching,' warning he could get shot. The officers then fired three times into Johnson's torso, and he died about three hours later at the hospital. Police say Johnson was on parole for weapons violations and a handgun was found at the scene.

Why it matters

The shooting has sparked outrage in the community, with conflicting accounts emerging about whether Johnson was struggling with police or resisting arrest. The release of the partial video footage is an attempt by police to provide transparency, but has done little to quell concerns from residents about the use of force.

The details

In the body-camera footage, police can be seen trying to stop Johnson as he was riding a bicycle on the city's southeast side. As they neared the parking lot of Eastern Lofts on Eastern Avenue SE, a K-9 officer released the dog. Two officers then approached Johnson and told him to 'stop reaching,' warning he could get shot. The officers then fired three times into Johnson's torso, and he died about three hours later at the hospital. Police say Johnson was on parole for weapons violations and a handgun was found at the scene.

  • On Wednesday night, February 19, 2026, the incident occurred.
  • The partial body-camera and in-car camera footage was released by Grand Rapids police on Thursday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Da'Quan Johnson

A 28-year-old Grand Rapids resident who was fatally shot by police.

Eric Winstrom

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

Richard Griffin

A community consultant who told residents at a neighborhood meeting that the police had 'miscommunicated' and 'mischaracterized' the incident.

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What they’re saying

“The Grand Rapids Police Department has told you a lie. They've miscommunicated something to you. They've mischaracterized something to you yet again.”

— Richard Griffin, Community Consultant (Neighborhood Meeting)

“There's a lot of inconsistencies or outright falsehoods being spread.”

— Eric Winstrom, Grand Rapids Police Chief (Press Conference)

What’s next

The Grand Rapids Police Department has said it will continue to investigate the shooting and release more footage as it becomes available. Community members have called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident.

The takeaway

This shooting has once again highlighted the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the community in Grand Rapids, with conflicting accounts emerging about the circumstances leading to the use of deadly force. The partial release of body-camera footage has done little to resolve these tensions, underscoring the need for greater transparency and accountability around police actions.