Following the announcement of 2nd Degree Murder Charges by the Kent County Prosecutor’s office in the shooting death of Patrick Lyoya, Grand Rapids City Officials addressed the media Thursday evening.
Joined by City Manager Mark Washington, Police Chief Eric Winstrom and Office of Oversight and Public Accountability Director Brandon Davis, Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss said the charges against officer Christopher Schurr were “an important step” in the city’s goal of restoring police and community relations, but there is still a lot of work to do.
“As a mayor, and as a collogue to six city commissioners, who have been very clear about our commitment to improving police practices in our city for years, we realize that this work is more important, and it is more urgent than ever," Bliss said.
"I, along with my collogues, remain committed to working with our city manager, our police chief, our director of oversight and accountability, our community partners and our residents, as we strive to make long term systemic changes that create a safer, and better community for everyone. That is our commitment today, and that is the commitment we will continue to have.”
Meanwhile, Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom said Thursday the Department has begun the process of terminating the employment of Officer Christopher Schurr. (Sure) His arraignment is set for Friday.
