LAWTON (WKZO) -- The Lawton police officer who shot and killed 34-year-old Michael Lyle Adams of Galesburg has been put on paid leave while authorities review his actions, but it appears his use of force was justified.
It began at about 3am when the officer pulled a car over in the 600-block of South Main for a defective tailpipe. There were four people in the vehicle at the time, and one of them claims Adams declared he was not going back to jail.
Michigan State Police said Adams jumped out with a handgun, and after ignoring warnings to drop the gun, Officer Scott Hitchcock shot once. That’s when State Police inspector Tracey McAndrew said Adams grabbed an assault rifle and pointed it at Officer Hitchcock.
Hitchcock shot seven times, hitting Adams three times, killing him.
No one else was hit or hurt.
Adams was being sought on a felony warrant issued in Kalamazoo County and had along criminal record. Michigan State Police continue the investigation.
