GRAND RAPIDS, Wis. – A dramatic late-night confrontation in Grand Rapids turned deadly when a 69-year-old man was shot by a police officer after pulling a gun from inside his jacket. The Wisconsin Department of Justice announced on Friday that the officer involved will not face criminal charges.
According to the DOJ’s Division of Criminal Investigation, the incident happened at 10:57 p.m. on April 21 along the 3100 block of Airport Avenue. Officers were actively looking for William F. Voelker, who was wanted on suspicion of bail jumping. When a Grand Rapids officer spotted Voelker walking down the road, he stopped to speak with him.
The encounter quickly escalated. Reports state that the officer informed Voelker that he was wanted for bail jumping. At that point, Voelker unzipped his jacket and reached inside. The officer gave a verbal warning, telling Voelker to stop or he would shoot.
Instead of complying, Voelker allegedly told the officer that he wanted to be shot. Moments later, Voelker pulled out a handgun, forcing the officer to react immediately. The officer discharged multiple rounds, striking Voelker, then took cover behind his squad car, reloaded his firearm, and radioed for backup.
Additional officers quickly arrived on scene and attempted life-saving measures. Unfortunately, Voelker was pronounced dead where he fell.
Prosecutor Clears Officer of Wrongdoing
Wood County District Attorney Craig Lambert reviewed the DOJ’s investigative findings and ruled that the officer’s use of deadly force was legally justified.
Lambert explained that the officer was presented with a direct and immediate threat to his life when Voelker drew a gun. “Under Wisconsin law, officers are permitted to use deadly force when faced with an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm. The evidence shows this was precisely that kind of situation,” Lambert said.
The DOJ added that body camera and squad car footage corroborated the officer’s account, showing that Voelker refused commands and brandished a firearm.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Debate
The shooting has sparked conversations in Grand Rapids about policing, mental health, and public safety. Some residents argue that the officer’s actions were a clear case of self-defense, while others call for more transparency and independent review of police shootings.
Law enforcement officials, meanwhile, have stressed the importance of officer safety. “This was a dangerous situation that could have ended with a police officer killed,” said one local law enforcement representative. “The officer had only moments to make a decision.”
Community advocates have suggested that the incident may point to deeper issues, including a lack of resources for individuals facing legal trouble or mental health crises.
For now, the case is considered closed, but the conversation about how such situations are handled — and how to prevent them in the future — is expected to continue in the weeks ahead.
