UPDATE: 4/17/23 1:30 p.m.
Michigan State Police said Monday that the driver who fired at an officer was identified as 56-year-old Keith Kelly Howard of Lewiston, and that multiple charges have been filed against him.
Howard was arraigned Monday in the 88th District Court in Montmorency County on one count assault with intent to murder, one count possession of firearm by a felon, one count felony weapons charge, and one count flee and elude.
His bond was set at $500,000.
His next scheduled court appearance is on May 5.
4/13/23 9:35 a.m.
The superintendent of Johannesburg-Lewiston Area Schools said Thursday morning that police told them to close schools due to an emergency situation in the community.
Lt. Derrick Carroll with the Michigan State Police confirmed that late Wednesday night, Montmorency County Sheriff deputies attempted a traffic stop near Lewiston. The driver, a 56-year-old Lewiston man, sped away and a short pursuit was initiated, state police said.
The suspect’s vehicle became disabled, troopers said, and the driver fled on foot. As the driver ran, he turned and fired an unknown number of rounds towards the deputy, troopers said.
Additional law enforcement units responded to the scene, including deputies from the Oscoda County Sheriff’s Office, troopers form the MSP Alpena and Gaylord Posts, MSP Canine Teams, MSP Emergency Support Team and the MSP Aviation Unit.
The investigation led law enforcement to an address on County Road 491, and the MSP EST set up a perimeter at the residence and began negotiating with the suspect, troopers said.
The suspect surrendered around 7:20 a.m., troopers said.
Johannesburg-Lewiston Area Schools were closed as a precautionary measure. There were no injuries during the incident, and it remains under investigation.