Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Attorney General has completed its review of the May 16, 2025, fatal shooting involving a Michigan State Police (MSP) Trooper and Stephen Wangara-Mason in Detroit. The Department determined that the trooper acted in self-defense and defense of others and will not pursue criminal charges.

According to the Department, the incident began when an MSP Trooper observed Mason driving over the speed limit on southbound M-10 in Detroit. After learning Mason’s vehicle was uninsured, the trooper initiated a traffic stop at the Wyoming Avenue exit. During the stop, Mason admitted his insurance had lapsed but provided his vehicle registration. When asked to retrieve a dropped registration document from under his car, Mason refused to exit. The situation escalated after Mason eventually left his vehicle and a concealed revolver fell near both men. A struggle ensued as Mason attempted to retrieve the firearm.

Mason managed to obtain the revolver and shot the trooper three times—twice in the chest, which were stopped by a bullet-proof vest but still caused injury, and once in the clavicle, which required surgery. Despite being shot, the trooper continued struggling with Mason for control of the weapon. Eventually, the trooper drew his service pistol and fatally shot Mason as he continued attempting to fire.

An investigation into the incident was conducted by investigators from outside MSP’s district per department policy, specifically by Detroit Police Department’s Homicide Task Force with assistance from MSP’s 2nd District Special Investigation Section. The case was then referred to the Attorney General's office for review.

The Department reviewed video footage from patrol cars and body-worn cameras, police reports, autopsy findings from Wayne County Medical Examiner, witness statements, and other evidence.

The review found that “the Trooper’s initial traffic stop of Mason and subsequent request that he exit his vehicle were each lawful,” adding that “the use of deadly force was a justified exercise of self-defense and defense of others.”

The Department explained: “Law enforcement officers have the same privilege of self-defense as anyone else. Shooting a gun in self-defense requires an honest and reasonable belief that an officer is in danger of being killed or seriously injured... Under Michigan law, a police officer... is not required to retreat in the face of a display of force.”

“Here, under all of the facts and circumstances presented, the Department concluded the MSP Trooper acted in self-defense,” according to its statement.

The Attorney General's office stated it remains available to lead or support investigations into officer-involved shootings at any county prosecutor or law enforcement agency's request.

A full report on this incident is available through this link. Additionally, a PowerPoint presentation containing images from dashcam and body-worn camera footage can be accessed here.