BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Police have identified a man who was shot and killed after police say he led officers on a high-speed chase, shot at them and then attempted to break into a home Wednesday afternoon.
It all started around 3 p.m. when police say they tried to pull over 44-year-old Brian Laxton for not having a proper license plate. They say the Battle Creek man took off, leading officers on a high-speed chase down the highway near Albion.
Authorities reported speeds reached about 120 miles per hour during the pursuit.
Police say Laxton exited the highway near Battle Creek when he allegedly shot at officers while still driving towards the city.
The car chase eventually ended when a Calhoun County sheriff’s deputy rammed Laxton’s car. Authorities say the driver then ran off in the area of Oak Hill and Willow in Battle Creek.
Laxton tried to get away by allegedly trying to break into a nearby home with a gun still in hand. At that point, police demanded he drop his weapon several times, but instead reportedly turned his gun towards an officer.
"This was a chaotic scenario, one of the worst again, and I'm really proud of the cool heads and the professionalism," said Battle Creek Police Chief Jim Blocker. "Most importantly, the fact we all are that no one else was hurt in this incident and I think that says a lot about our folks here in Calhoun County."
Police say Laxton was then shot by an officer and died at the scene.
Authorities reported the officer who shot the man is a 17-year veteran of the force. He is currently on paid administrative leave.
The incident remains under investigation by Michigan State Police.
