Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Press Release Re: James Mitchell Kerr Self-Inflicted Shooting
Assault with Intent to Murder a Sheriff’s Deputy
Sheriff Gary Schuette reports the following:
On September 19, 2024, Deputy Robert Henderson from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office responded to an address in Leoni Township to arrest 41-year-old James Mitchell Kerr on a felony warrant for violating probation and two misdemeanor warrants.
When Deputy Henderson first encountered Mr. Kerr, he was riding a mower. Deputy Henderson directed Mr. Kerr to get off the mower, but he refused. Instead, he accelerated the mower in an attempt to get away; Deputy Henderson pursued him on foot. The mower ultimately came to a stop in a small ditch. Deputy Henders on had drawn his Taser and continued to order Mr. Kerr to comply or he would be Tased; Mr Kerr continued to ignore the Deputy’s commands getting off the mower and walking in the opposite direction. Mr. Kerr then stepped back to the mower, pulled out a handgun hidden on the mower, and pointed it at Deputy Henderson.
Deputy Henderson then deployed the Taser, striking Mr. Kerr. This action caused Mr. Kerr to shoot himself in the hand. Once backup arrived, Mr. Kerr was taken into custody. He was transported to the hospital and treated for the gunshot wound and released to jail.
Because of the circumstances surrounding this incident, Sheriff Schuette requested the Michigan State Police conduct an independent criminal investigation while the Sheriff’s Office conducted an internal investigation.
On October 23, 2024, the Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney charged Mr. Kerr with Assault with Intent to Murder, Felony Firearm, and Resisting and Obstructing Mr. Kerr remains lodged at the Jackson County Jail. The Sheriff’s Office’s internal investigation into this matter was subsequently completed, with no policy violations observed.
A preliminary exam took place on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, before Judge Michael Karen in Jackson County, where Mr. Kerr was bound over for trial in circuit court.
This incident underscores how rapidly a seemingly routine encounter can escalate and the potential dangers deputies face daily. Thankfully, the deputy was unharmed, and the suspect did not sustain serious injuries.
For further information, please contact Sheriff Gary Schuette at 517-768-7924. Body camera video of the incident is available.