GENESEE COUNTY, Mich. – Details emerged about a fatal officer-involved shooting in Clio as Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson shed light on the tragic events that occurred on Thursday, March 26. The incident unfolded when Clio police officers responded to reports of gunfire in a domestic violence situation on N. Mills Road at approximately 7:37 p.m.
Sheriff Swanson revealed that an altercation between two domestic partners earlier in the day escalated when the suspect, 28-year-old Eric Adam Bennett, initiated gunfire with a shotgun. One victim, identified as 31-year-old Ron Tatro, was fatally shot multiple times while on the phone with his mother. Another victim, 51-year-old Kasey Gipe, who came to investigate the situation, was also shot and killed by Bennett.
During the chaos, a resident on the scene made a harrowing 911 call to provide crucial information to the dispatcher, while others in the area barricaded themselves in their homes for safety. Officers, faced with an active shooter situation, closed off surrounding roads to prevent bystanders from getting caught in the crossfire.
Body camera footage captured the tense moments as officers repeatedly urged Bennett to surrender his weapon, expressing reluctance to resort to lethal force. Despite their efforts, Bennett defiantly fired at the officers, prompting them to return fire in self-defense. Within a minute of engaging Bennett, officers with medical training commenced life-saving measures on him once he was subdued.
Following the incident, Swanson assured the public that no additional suspects were believed to be involved. As part of standard procedure, the officers directly involved in the shooting were placed on paid leave while the investigation unfolds. Swanson emphasized the importance of providing support and resources to the law enforcement deputies who grappled with the difficult decision to use deadly force.
As authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the tragic shooting in Clio, the community grapples with the aftermath and seeks solace in the swift actions of law enforcement to contain the threat and restore safety to the neighborhood.