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Lansing Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Shooting Officer
Felon Andrial Ortiz received lengthy prison term for firearm possession and attack on police
Feb. 4, 2026 at 6:07pm
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A 30-year-old Lansing man named Andrial Ortiz was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and shooting a police officer during a 2024 incident. Ortiz, who was on parole for prior drug and robbery convictions, violently resisted arrest and disarmed multiple officers before firing a shot that struck an officer in the leg.
Why it matters
This case highlights the dangers that law enforcement officers face when dealing with armed and violent felons, as well as the importance of strong sentencing for those who commit such crimes against the police. It also underscores the need for effective parole and re-entry programs to prevent repeat offenses.
The details
In April 2024, Ortiz was pulled over by Lansing police following a road rage incident. Officers found drugs in his car and attempted to arrest him, but Ortiz resisted violently. During the struggle, Ortiz was able to disarm multiple officers and fired a shot that struck one officer in the leg. Another officer then shot Ortiz below the knee, and he was taken to the hospital. Ortiz was charged and convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
- On April 10, 2024, Ortiz was pulled over by Lansing police.
- In August 2025, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office provided details on the incident.
- On February 4, 2026, Ortiz was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.
The players
Andrial Ortiz
A 30-year-old Lansing man who was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and shooting a police officer.
Timothy VerHey
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan who announced Ortiz's 15-year sentence.
Dana Nessel
The Michigan Attorney General who provided details on the 2024 incident in which Ortiz shot a police officer.
Lansing Police Department (LPD)
The law enforcement agency that was involved in the 2024 incident with Ortiz.
What they’re saying
“'Andrial Ortiz was a felon who was not allowed to possess a gun, and the moment he did he used it to shoot a police officer. My office was happy to prosecute this case. We accept the 15-year sentence as a just response. I hope everyone reading this will take a minute to remember and appreciate that we ask law enforcement officers to risk their lives on a regular basis.'”
— Timothy VerHey, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan
What’s next
The judge's 15-year sentence for Ortiz's crimes will be upheld, and he will serve the full term in federal prison.
The takeaway
This case underscores the serious risks that law enforcement officers face when dealing with armed and violent felons, and the importance of strong sentencing and effective parole programs to protect public safety and support the officers who put their lives on the line.
