Former Officer Mark Charles Armstrong
February 2011 - Officer Armstrong was terminated from the Wyoming PD for "violation of rules and regulations." FOIA requests confirmed that Armstrong had been fired "for allegedly uttering racial slurs."
July 25, 2013 - Armstrong made threats to his ex-girlfriend. Holland police officers responded and Armstrong fled. Officers chased Armstrong who turned and pointed a handgun at the officers. Armstrong surrendered and was arrested.
July 26, 2013 - Armstrong was charged with two counts of felonious assault and a charge of felony firearms.
November 20, 2013 - Armstrong trial. Armstrong found guilty of two counts of felonious assault and a charge of felony firearms
January 2014 - Armstrong sentenced. 13-48 months in prison on assault charges; 24 months for the firearms charge.
Former Wyoming cop arrested for pointing gun at Holland police during foot chase
Mlive
Jul. 26, 2013
HOLLAND, MI -- A 55-year-old man who allegedly pointed a handgun at officers late Thursday in downtown Holland is a former Wyoming police officer, authorities confirmed.
Mark Charles Armstrong was arraigned Friday, July 26, in Holland District Court on two counts of felonious assault and a charge of felony firearms.
Armstrong allegedly pointed a gun at Holland officers who wanted to talk to him about alleged threats made to his ex-girlfriend in Wyoming, as well as other acquaintances.
The incident happened after police got a tip that his vehicle was in a parking lot at Ninth Street and College Avenue. As police were investigating, he approached officers and then began fleeing while flashing a handgun.
Police said that during the pursuit, he turned and pointed a .380 handgun at two officers.
"They dove for cover," Holland police Capt. Bob Buursma said. "There was all kinds of people out and pedestrians around."
Officers cornered him after a brief pursuit and, after 20 minutes of negotiation, he surrendered. Police blocked off some downtown Holland streets during the 9:45 p.m. trouble and kept people inside the few businesses still open.
Armstrong worked 26 years for the Wyoming Police Department before he was released in February 2011 for "violation of rules and regulations."
Wyoming police today would not divulge further details about his dismissal.
A judge set a $30,000 bond for Armstrong today.
Suspect in custody after allegedly brandishing gun at police near New Holland Brewing
MLive
Jul. 26, 2013
HOLLAND, MI -- One person is in custody and no one was injured after a suspect allegedly flashed a handgun at police in Holland.
Scanner dispatch traffic indicated a person brandished a handgun at an officer about 9:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, behind New Holland Brewing on East 8th Street.
Holland Department of Public Safety Capt. Jack Dykstra late Thursday said the suspect was taken into custody and no one was hurt.
The circumstances surrounding the incident were not immediately clear.
Holland man who allegedly flashed gun at officers faces felony assault charges
MLive
Jul. 26, 2013
HOLLAND, MI — A 55-year-old Holland man currently being held after he allegedly brandished a handgun at an officer late Thursday, police said.
Holland Police were tipped to the suspect's vehicle in a parking lot near the intersection of East 9th Street and College Avenue by a family member, authorities said. When the suspect approached officers, he apparently flashed a handgun and began running.
Police said he pointed the gun directly at officers during the pursuit.
The suspect ultimately was cornered in the chase, and police said he surrendered after about 20 minutes.
The suspect called his ex-girlfriend and other former acquaintances earlier in the day and threatened them, police said. His family became concerned for his well-being as he also made some suicidal comments.
Roads at East Eighth and Ninth streets, in addition to College Avenue, were shut down for about 45 minutes while police dealt with the situation.
The suspect faces felonious assault charges for threatening officers with a handgun, authorities said.
Former Wyoming officer arrested for pointing gun at Holland police during foot chase
Grand Rapids Press, The (MI)
July 28, 2013
HOLLAND, MI -- A 55-year-old man who allegedly pointed a handgun at officers late Thursday in downtown Holland is a former Wyoming police officer, authorities confirmed.
Mark Charles Armstrong was arraigned Friday, July 26, in Holland District Court on two counts of felonious assault and a charge of felony firearms.
Armstrong allegedly pointed a gun at Holland officers who wanted to talk to him about alleged threats made to his ex-girlfriend in Wyoming, as well as other acquaintances.
The incident happened after police got a tip that his vehicle was in a parking lot at Ninth Street and College Avenue. As police were investigating, he approached officers and then began fleeing while flashing a handgun.
Police said that during the pursuit, he turned and pointed a .380 handgun at two officers.
"They dove for cover," Holland police Capt. Bob Buursma said. "There was all kinds of people out and pedestrians around."
Officers cornered him after a brief pursuit and, after 20 minutes of negotiation, he surrendered. Police blocked off some downtown Holland streets during the 9:45 p.m. trouble and kept people inside the few businesses still open.
Armstrong worked 26 years for the Wyoming Police Department before he was released in February 2011 for "violation of rules and regulations."
Wyoming police today would not divulge further details about his dismissal.
A judge set a $30,000 bond for Armstrong today.
Before Thursday's encounter with Holland officers, Armstrong's family had called police to voice concerns about suicidal comments he had made.
Witnesses say tragedy averted after man allegedly aimed gun at Holland officers
Holland Sentinel, The (MI)
July 28, 2013
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/
A former Wyoming police officer has been charged with three felonies after a gun-related incident Thursday that caused Holland police to lock down part of Holland's busy downtown for about an hour.
Mark Charles Armstrong, 55, appeared at his video arraignment Friday afternoon before 58th District Judge Craig Bunce in Holland, wearing the same tan sports shirt and blue shorts as when he was arrested Thursday evening. The Holland resident looked toward the judge and answered each question clearly and succinctly, but bowed his head briefly as Bunce read the charges: two counts of felonious assault, for allegedly pointing a pistol at two Holland police officers, as well as one count of felony firearms — the use of a gun during the commission of a felony.
Armstrong was arrested Thursday evening after family members and his ex-girlfriend called police. Armstrong's son said his dad had talked of suicide and might be carrying a .380 Ruger. The ex-girlfriend, a Wyoming resident, told police he had threatened her and others, according to police and court records. Armstrong's son found his dad's empty car parked just east of New Holland Brewing. Police joined him.
Moments later, Armstrong appeared and indicated he was upset that police were called. When the Holland man ran off, two police officers gave chase, according to the probable cause statement. Armstrong allegedly flashed a handgun, pointing it at the two officers, who took cover, according to court records. After a 20-minute negotiation with police, Armstrong surrendered and was taken into custody. No one was injured.
A not-guilty plea was entered on Armstrong's behalf by Bunce, who said that would allow the jailed man time to hire an attorney. Armstrong will remain in jail unless he can post the $30,000 cash bond. Bunce also ordered that if Armstrong could post bond, he would have to pass a community mental health screening. If released from jail before future court dates, Armstrong would have to surrender any weapons he owns and would be barred from using drugs or alcohol as well, Bunce told him.
Armstrong told Bunce he has no criminal record and that he planned to hire a lawyer.
Police officers said privately that, given the amount of people in that area Thursday night, the incident could have ended in tragedy, had Armstrong or any of the officers fired their weapons. Police ordered shops in the area into lockdown mode about 9:30 p.m. and swarmed the area.
“They definitely came out in full force,” said 84 East owner Jim Diesing. He could see K-9 officers outside the window of his Eighth Street restaurant. “Right before they called, I had employees who had just gone out the back door.”
A line cook on his way to the dumpster was intercepted by a police officer and told to go back inside and keep everyone else inside as well.
At the Curragh, patrons enjoying a drink on the patio had to go inside for a while. A couple protested not being able to leave, but “everybody else was just grateful that we were concerned for their safety,” dining room manager Pam Kimber said.
The Knickerbocker Theatre, crowded for a free screening of the family movie “The Goonies,” let out a few minutes before 9:30 p.m. Moviegoers left before the lockdown, but a few employees were told they had to stay inside.
About 15 minutes later, police were negotiating with Armstrong in the Ninth Street parking lot behind the theater.
Wyoming Police did not respond to The Sentinel's request for comment or details of Armstrong's career as a police officer. WOOD-TV News 8 reported on Friday that Armstrong, a 26-year veteran of Wyoming's force, was fired in 2011 for violating rules and regulations.
Cited for three felonies - Former cop charged in downtown gun incident
Witnesses say tragedy averted after man allegedly aimed gun at Holland officers
Holland Sentinel, The (MI)
July 28, 2013
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/
A former Wyoming police officer has been charged with three felonies after a gun-related incident Thursday that caused Holland police to lock down part of Holland's busy downtown for about an hour.
Mark Charles Armstrong, 55, appeared at his video arraignment Friday afternoon before 58th District Judge Craig Bunce in Holland, wearing the same tan sports shirt and blue shorts as when he was arrested Thursday evening. The Holland resident looked toward the judge and answered each question clearly and succinctly, but bowed his head briefly as Bunce read the charges: two counts of felonious assault, for allegedly pointing a pistol at two Holland police officers, as well as one count of felony firearms — the use of a gun during the commission of a felony.
Armstrong was arrested Thursday evening after family members and his ex-girlfriend called police. Armstrong's son said his dad had talked of suicide and might be carrying a .380 Ruger. The ex-girlfriend, a Wyoming resident, told police he had threatened her and others, according to police and court records. Armstrong's son found his dad's empty car parked just east of New Holland Brewing. Police joined him.
Moments later, Armstrong appeared and indicated he was upset that police were called. When the Holland man ran off, two police officers gave chase, according to the probable cause statement. Armstrong allegedly flashed a handgun, pointing it at the two officers, who took cover, according to court records. After a 20-minute negotiation with police, Armstrong surrendered and was taken into custody. No one was injured.
A not-guilty plea was entered on Armstrong's behalf by Bunce, who said that would allow the jailed man time to hire an attorney. Armstrong will remain in jail unless he can post the $30,000 cash bond. Bunce also ordered that if Armstrong could post bond, he would have to pass a community mental health screening. If released from jail before future court dates, Armstrong would have to surrender any weapons he owns and would be barred from using drugs or alcohol as well, Bunce told him.
Armstrong told Bunce he has no criminal record and that he planned to hire a lawyer.
Police officers said privately that, given the amount of people in that area Thursday night, the incident could have ended in tragedy, had Armstrong or any of the officers fired their weapons. Police ordered shops in the area into lockdown mode about 9:30 p.m. and swarmed the area.
“They definitely came out in full force,” said 84 East owner Jim Diesing. He could see K-9 officers outside the window of his Eighth Street restaurant. “Right before they called, I had employees who had just gone out the back door.”
A line cook on his way to the dumpster was intercepted by a police officer and told to go back inside and keep everyone else inside as well.
At the Curragh, patrons enjoying a drink on the patio had to go inside for a while. A couple protested not being able to leave, but “everybody else was just grateful that we were concerned for their safety,” dining room manager Pam Kimber said.
The Knickerbocker Theatre, crowded for a free screening of the family movie “The Goonies,” let out a few minutes before 9:30 p.m. Moviegoers left before the lockdown, but a few employees were told they had to stay inside.
About 15 minutes later, police were negotiating with Armstrong in the Ninth Street parking lot behind the theater.
Wyoming Police did not respond to The Sentinel's request for comment or details of Armstrong's career as a police officer. WOOD-TV News 8 reported on Friday that Armstrong, a 26-year veteran of Wyoming's force, was fired in 2011 for violating rules and regulations.
Former Wyoming cop accused of pointing gun at officers was fired in 2011 for racial slurs, documents show
Grand Rapids Press, The: Web Edition Articles (MI)
July 31, 2013
HOLLAND, MI -- Mark Charles Armstrong, the former Wyoming police officer arrested Thursday for pointing a gun at Holland police, was fired in 2011 for allegedly uttering racial slurs.
Information about Armstrong's discharge from the Wyoming Police Department was released today following a Freedom of Information Act request.
A Jan. 31, 2011 letter from Wyoming police Chief James Carmody accused Armstrong of using two derogatory terms in reference to African Americans. Armstrong was with other officers in a report writing room when he allegedly uttered the comments.
On Feb. 3, Armstrong was fired for violations of the city's harassment police and using offensive language toward the public or city employees while on or off duty.
Armstrong was arrested Thursday night after police say he pointed a gun at Holland officers who wanted to speak with him about alleged threats made against his ex-girlfriend.
Related: Former Wyoming cop arrested for pointing gun at Holland police during foot chase
Armstrong, 55, was in a brief standoff with police before he was arrested in the area of Eighth Street and College Avenue in downtown Holland. He is charged with felonious assault and felony firearms.
In the hours before Thursday's incident, relatives of Armstrong had called police about possibly suicidal comments he made.
Ex-officer found guilty of gun charges
Holland Sentinel, The (MI)
November 24, 2013
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/
A jury found a former Wyoming police officer guilty of three felonies for a gun-related incident in July that caused Holland police to lock down part of downtown for about an hour.
Mark Charles Armstrong, 56, of Holland, was found guilty Nov. 20 after a two-day trial of two counts of felonious assault and one count of felony firearms, according to court records.
A felonious assault charge can be punished by up to four years in prison and/or up to a $2,000 fine. Felony firearms can be punishable by two years in prison.
Armstrong will be sentenced at 1 p.m. Jan. 6 in Ottawa County Circuit Court by Judge Edward Post.
Armstrong was arrested July 25 after family members and his ex-girlfriend called police. Armstrong’s son said his dad had talked of suicide and might be carrying a .380 Ruger handgun. The former girlfriend told police he had threatened her and others, according to police and court records.
Armstrong’s son found his dad’s empty car parked near New Holland Brewing, 66 E. Eighth St. Police confronted Armstrong, who indicated he was upset by their presence. He ran off and two police officers chased him.
Armstrong allegedly flashed the handgun, pointing it at the two officers, who took cover, according to court records.
After a 20-minute negotiation with police, Armstrong surrendered and was taken into custody. No one was injured.
Ex-officer in prison for gun incident
Holland Sentinel, The (MI)
January 19, 2014
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/
A former Wyoming police officer is spending several years in prison for a gun-related incident in July that caused Holland police to lock down part of downtown for about an hour.
Mark Charles Armstrong, 56, of Holland, was found guilty Nov. 20 after a two-day trial of two counts of felonious assault and one count of felony firearms.
Armstrong was sentenced Monday in Ottawa County Circuit Court to 13 to 48 months in state prison on the assault charges and 24 months for the firearms charge. The first two charges will be served concurrently, meaning at the same time. The firearms charge will be served consecutively, meaning 24 months after the first two counts are served.
His earliest release date is Dec. 25, 2016, and his maximum discharge date is Nov. 25, 2019, according to Michigan Department of Corrections records.
He is lodged in the Charles Egeler Reception & Guidance Center in Jackson.
Armstrong was arrested July 25 after family members and his ex-girlfriend called police. Armstrong’s son said his dad had talked of suicide and that the elder Armstrong could be carrying a .380 Ruger handgun. The former girlfriend told police he had threatened her and others, according to police and court records.
Armstrong’s son found his dad’s empty car parked near New Holland Brewing, 66 E. Eighth St. Police confronted Armstrong, who indicated he was upset by their presence. He ran off and two police officers chased him.
Armstrong flashed the handgun, pointing it at the two officers, who took cover, according to court records.
After a 20-minute negotiation with police, Armstrong surrendered and was taken into custody. No one was injured.
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