It’s been one week since Grand Rapids resident Patrick Lyoya was shot and killed by a Grand Rapids police officer, following GRPD reports of an altercation during a traffic stop. However, Michigan State Police said the officer has yet to be interviewed by MSP detectives in its investigation. The news is causing tensions in the community.
According to Lt. Michelle Robinson with MSP, law enforcement personnel in officer-involved shootings have at least 48-72 hours before they can be interviewed. The name of the GRPD officer in question hasn’t been released.
Kent County Commissioner Robert Womack has been working closely with Lyoya’s family as they seek answers. While he was quick to note his overall support for law enforcement, he added that holes in the system have their journey to justice hitting road blocks.
“You know I don’t want to bag the police, but what this guy did was horrific. He’s got all the support his name isn’t even out there he got 72 hours before he could even make a comment which gives him all the time to sit with a lawyer, look at what happened and come out with a statement that could get him out of here...The scales of justice are no where in favor of the victim and his family," Womack said.
MSP did not offer comment on when the officer would be interviewed. Grand Rapids Police Chief, Eric Winstrom, announced he will release body and dash camera footage of the incident on Wednesday at 3pm during a GRPD press conference.
