Village of Clinton, MI – A 42-year-old Adrian man died from what police say appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound Tuesday night in the Village of Clinton after police responded to a domestic assault in-progress call.
The Clinton Police Department provided details on the situation late Wednesday morning. The CPD says that they were dispatched to a home in the 200 block of East Church Street shortly after 8pm Tuesday.
Upon arrival at the residence, Officer Joseph Rutherford made contact with the female victim, who reported she had been physically assaulted by her boyfriend. CPD says that the female victim had obvious facial injuries, consistent with being in a physical altercation.
The victim’s children and adult visitors had also exited the home and were speaking with Officer Rutherford. The officer reported that a loud “popping” sound was heard from inside the home. This was followed by a second “popping” sound, which Officer Rutherford immediately recognized as gunfire. He requested assistance from other police agencies, with officers from the Tecumseh Police Department and deputies from the Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office responding.
CPD says that a perimeter was established around the home to keep the suspect contained, as well as to ensure the safety of the surrounding residents. The Lenawee County Drone Team responded to the scene, providing live video footage of the home, as well as the surrounding area. With the assistance of the Lenawee County Central Dispatch Center, an emergency alert was sent out to request residents in the immediate area “shelter in place,” and keep away from the active scene.
Following numerous verbal commands being issued for the suspect to exit the home, a search warrant was obtained for the residence to allow officers to legally enter and locate the suspect. The Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Support Team was able to enter the home, finding the male suspect deceased on the bedroom floor from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The male suspect was identified as 42-year-old Joseph Johnson, of Adrian.
This incident is still under investigation by the Clinton Police Department, and anyone having additional information should contact Chief Tony Cuevas or Officer Joseph Rutherford at 517-456-4511.
The CPD reminds residents that domestic violence is the most commonly reported assaultive crime, locally and nationwide. The Catherine Cobb Domestic Violence Program can provide advocates and resources to Lenawee County residents by contacting their 24-hour crisis line at 517-265-6776. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is another resource for victims, and can be contacted at 1-800-799-7233. The national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is 988.
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