Da’quain Tre Johnson Fatally Shot by Grand Rapids Police After Bicycle Chase as Mother Angelica Johnson Accuses Officers of Excessive Force While Chief Eric Winstrom Says He Was Armed [VIDEO]

The family of Da’quain Tre Johnson is speaking out after the young father died following a police shooting in Grand Rapids, with his mother alleging officers used unnecessary force during the encounter.

Johnson died early Thursday morning from injuries sustained when officers from the Grand Rapids Police Department shot him late Wednesday night. Authorities said the incident began around 9:30 p.m. when an officer reported seeing a man riding a bicycle while carrying what appeared to be a firearm along Eastern Avenue SE.

 

Police Chief Eric Winstrom said officers pursued Johnson for roughly 90 seconds as he rode through the Baxter neighborhood and into an apartment complex parking lot. Video released by police shows Johnson attempting to flee before shots were fired.

Winstrom stated that a handgun was later recovered at the scene and noted Johnson was on parole for a prior firearm conviction, according to records from the Michigan Department of Corrections. He said investigators could not yet determine Johnson’s exact motivation for fleeing.

Johnson’s mother, Angelica Johnson, disputes the police account and claims the force used was unjustified.
“My son is gone… They executed my baby,” she said publicly, adding she has not been allowed to see his body and was told he may have been shot twice.

Community members and organizers gathered in Boston Square after the shooting and reviewed alternate video angles they say show Johnson on the ground when shots were fired. Authorities have not confirmed that interpretation.

During a press conference, Winstrom said the department released selected body-camera and dash footage within 24 hours to counter misinformation circulating online. He also acknowledged the tragedy for Johnson’s loved ones while emphasizing that officers were not injured.

Police say additional body-camera recordings from other officers on scene are still being processed and may be released later as the investigation continues.