Michigan deputy fatally shoots driver during traffic stop

WAYLAND, Mich. (WILX) - Michigan State Police are investigating after a sheriff’s deputy reportedly fatally shot a motorist during a traffic stop in western Michigan’s Allegan County.

Police said the deputy was conducting a traffic stop Thursday night when a “physical altercation” occurred between the officer and the motorist in Salem Township, a community northwest of Wayland. Michigan State Police said the deputy fired his weapon at least once, killing the driver.

The driver has been identified as Joseph Maverick Nagle, a 22-year-old from Comstock Park.

As is standard procedure when a police officer kills someone while on duty, the deputy was placed on administrative leave while the Michigan State Police (MSP) investigate.

“This investigation is in its infancy stage, which means we do not have a lot of information to share right now,” MSP wrote in a public post. “Interviewing witnesses, gathering facts, and collecting evidence takes time. We ask everyone to please extend our detectives some grace and patience to be able to complete a professional and thorough investigation.”

Police said the deputy was taken to the hospital to be evaluated after the shooting, but the officer’s injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. They later clarified that the officer was not wounded by a gunfire, though they did not specify how.

“An unfortunate tragedy occurred last evening and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the deceased, the involved deputy and their family, and the community at large,” MSP wrote.

The patrol vehicle was not equipped with a dashcam, nor was the deputy wearing a bodycam. News 10 will follow this story.

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