Great Lakes Wire

Today, the Michigan Department of Attorney General announced that it has completed its review of a February 12, 2025, officer-involved shooting in Port Huron. The incident resulted in the death of Mark Ryan, 52, and involved a Michigan State Police (MSP) Trooper who was found to have acted in self-defense. According to MSP policy, all officer-involved shootings are sent to the Department of Attorney General for review.

The situation unfolded when MSP Troopers and St. Clair County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a 9-1-1 call from a Port Huron home. The caller indicated that Mark Ryan was intoxicated, intended to take his own life, and wanted someone to shoot him. Upon arrival, officers encountered shouting from inside the residence and were informed by a resident that Mr. Ryan was armed with a BB pistol. Two residents were safely escorted out of the house.

Mr. Ryan exited the home holding a pistol that appeared indistinguishable from a real firearm as it lacked an orange barrel tip. He ignored multiple commands to drop the weapon and re-entered the house several times before finally emerging again without complying with orders to disarm.

Officers attempted de-escalation tactics and communicated their desire not to use force, but Mr. Ryan continued advancing toward them while making verbal threats. As he approached one Trooper with his arms raised and weapon in hand, ignoring repeated warnings to stop, the Trooper fired three shots resulting in Ryan's death.

The investigation was conducted by MSP's 2nd District before being referred to the Department of Attorney General. Attorneys reviewed various materials including reports from MSP Troopers on-scene, audio recordings of the initial 9-1-1 call, video footage from patrol car and body-worn cameras, autopsy reports, and other evidence.

The key legal question was whether the use of deadly force by law enforcement was justified under self-defense laws applicable at the time of interaction with Ryan. Officers are permitted to use such force if they honestly and reasonably believe they are at risk of serious harm or death.

Based on all presented facts and circumstances, it was concluded that no criminal charges would be filed against the MSP Trooper involved as they acted within self-defense parameters established by law.

The Department reiterated its availability for leading or supporting investigations into officer-involved shootings upon request from any county prosecutor or law enforcement agency within Michigan.

The full report assessing relevant laws related to this incident is available for public review online in PDF format.