Ottawa County (WZZM) - The lead investigator in the case against an Ottawa County Sheriff's Deputy who shot a college student back in March, says the officer did not follow standard procedure.
In a probable cause hearing, Michigan State Police Det. Lt. Curt Schram, said that Ottawa County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Huizenga had his finger on the trigger during a drug raid. "Standard procedure would be, unless there's an imminent threat, or there's some readily apparent threat to an officer or to his partner or others, it (his finger) would be outside the trigger guard."
Lt. Schram also outlined the events leading up to the shooting on March 11th. Officers were conducting a search warrant for drugs at Derek Copp's off-campus apartment. Copp answered the door. "When Mr. Copp opened the glass door, he indicated that there was a flashlight that was shown (sic) into his face and in his eyes." Lt. Schram says Copp shielded his face from the light, but did not have a weapon in his hand. Copp was shot in the chest.
On Monday, a judge signed an arrest warrant for Deputy Ryan Huizenga. He will be charged with careless discharge of a firearm. Lt. Schram says Huizenga could face jail time and lose his job.
"Any time a police officer is convicted in the State of Michigan of any offense that is over a year, he would have his certification revoked to be a police officer in the State of Michigan."
The charge is a high court misdemeanor, which is punishable by jail time, probation, or a fine. Investigators have been in contact with him and he is expected to turn himself in next week.
Copp has since been released from the hospital and is back at school. His attorney says he believes a small amount of marijuana was found in the apartment, but that it doesn't justify the shooting. No word yet, on if any charges will be filed against Copp.
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