State Police Turn Over Findings in Deadly Grand Rapids Police Shooting to Prosecutor's Office

The investigation into the fatal shooting of Da'Quain Johnson has reached a new phase as the case is now with the Kent County Prosecutor's Office.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

The Michigan State Police have turned over their investigative report on the officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of 32-year-old Da'Quain Johnson to the Kent County Prosecutor's Office. Johnson was fatally shot by Grand Rapids police officers on February 18 after a pursuit and struggle. The medical examiner ruled Johnson's death a homicide, noting the gunshot wounds to his back as the cause. The officers involved remain on administrative leave as the prosecutor reviews the evidence to determine if the use of force was justified or if the officers will face criminal charges.

Why it matters

This case has sparked outrage in the Grand Rapids community and raised questions about police accountability and use of force policies. The prosecutor's review will be closely watched as it could lead to potential charges against the officers involved or provide clarity on whether the shooting was justified based on the circumstances.

The details

According to the investigation, Grand Rapids police officers pursued Johnson while he was riding his bike on February 18. Dash cam footage shows Johnson slipping while trying to dismount his bike, at which point a police K9 appeared to bite him on the arm before two officers moved in. The officers were unable to get Johnson to comply with orders to show his hands, and one officer shot Johnson multiple times, with the medical examiner determining the gunshot wounds to his back as the cause of death.

  • The incident occurred on February 18, 2026.
  • The Michigan State Police turned over their investigative report to the Kent County Prosecutor's Office on March 3, 2026.
  • A celebration of life service for Da'Quain Johnson was held on March 4, 2026.

The players

Da'Quain Johnson

A 32-year-old man who was fatally shot by Grand Rapids police officers during a pursuit and struggle on February 18, 2026.

Grand Rapids Police Department

The law enforcement agency involved in the pursuit and shooting of Da'Quain Johnson.

Michigan State Police

The state law enforcement agency that conducted the investigation into the officer-involved shooting and turned over their findings to the Kent County Prosecutor's Office.

Kent County Prosecutor's Office

The office that will review the evidence collected by the Michigan State Police and determine if the use of force by the Grand Rapids police officers was justified or if they will face criminal charges.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Kent County Prosecutor's Office will review the evidence collected by the Michigan State Police and determine if the use of force by the Grand Rapids police officers was justified or if they will face criminal charges. This decision is expected in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This case has highlighted the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the Grand Rapids community, as well as the need for greater transparency and accountability around officer-involved shootings. The prosecutor's review will be closely watched to see if it leads to charges against the officers or provides clarity on whether the shooting was justified based on the circumstances.