BARRY COUNTY, Mich. — The Barry County man who was shot twice by deputies and later died had already suffered a non-lethal, self-inflicted gunshot wound to his own head, according to Michigan State Police.
New details released by MSP Wednesday night state that Ralph Elliott, 41, of Baltimore Township was armed with two handguns during an incident on the 9800 block of Banfield Road on Saturday night.
Elliott emerged from a home owned by his mother approximately 25 minutes after deputies arrived on scene. Elliott had fired two shots prior to their arrival, according to the MSP report. The first hit nothing; the second hit Elliott in his head.
Elliott ignored several commands by deputies to stop his approach towards them. After an attempt to be subdued with a taser failed, Elliott reached into his front pocket. That’s when at least one deputy fired five shots with a patrol rifle, hitting Elliott in the hip twice.
Elliott died at a local hospital later that evening.
Court records show Elliott was on probation following a domestic incident in August 2012.
Elliott’s wife made the 911 call on Saturday around 7:00 p.m., telling the operator her husband had a gun.
12 Comments to “Barry County Man Had Shot Self In Head Prior To Standoff”
February 13, 2013 at 6:58 PM
Wow, shot in the head, tased, and he could still appear threatening. That is one tuff dude. Not judging the police actions but holy cow.
February 13, 2013 at 8:27 PM
again, you still do not have all of the information and you are assuming you know exactly how the incident went down. wait until the FULL report is out, then you can post your "I know it all" comments.
February 13, 2013 at 8:49 PM
the story will disappear, this is the last you'll hear bout it, watch
February 13, 2013 at 10:38 PM
Police still have not found the “gun”. Cover up. Don’t care what anyone thinks at this point. The police shot an unarmed man!
February 13, 2013 at 11:01 PM
Evidentally you don't read, or listen to other reports. He had two guns and shot himself in the head…how is this a cover up. If a claim of gun is reported and you have your hands in your pockets, an officer is to take this as you have a gun, doesn't matter if you do or don't. If you don't listen to the officers commands, then they are to presume you are armed.
February 13, 2013 at 11:26 PM
And that many policemen couldn't take him down? Why didn't the taser work? He was unarmed and I'd like to see the photo with hias hand in his pocket.
February 14, 2013 at 5:57 AM
5 SHOTS FROM A PATROL RIFLE…5 SHOTS…REALLY. IF THAT AIN'T AN TRIGGER HAPPY COP OUT TO KILL AND ASK QUESTIONS LATER. I'M PRESIDENT OBAMA.
February 14, 2013 at 8:58 AM
Hey OBAMA cops aren't trained to recieve bullets they are trained to respond to them. SHOOT TO STOP!!!
February 14, 2013 at 8:54 AM
typical police mentality, shoot first, ask questions later
February 14, 2013 at 6:50 PM
Seems pretty funny that the story keeps changing everytime it comes out. Truth is he wasnt armed…they still cant find his gun that he shot himself with in the FOOT and not he head! And it onlu took the cops 17seconds from the time he walked out for them to shoot and kill the man dead! THE TRUTH WILL COME OUT IN THE END!!!
February 14, 2013 at 7:22 PM
Looks like Dars poor leadership has showed up again
February 17, 2013 at 9:27 PM
listen to Barry County Scanner.com The 40 minute conversation with the cops and dispatcher. you can hear it all 9 seconds from the time he came out of the house til they shot him!!!