01282014 - Officer Timothy Hibbard - Jackson PD

A family in crisis...

Also see:

Officer Timothy Hibbard - Self-defense shooting of murderer Marshan Worthey [ August 08, 2008]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/08/officer-timothy-hibbard-self-defense.html

Officer Timothy Hibbard - Gerald Landrum charged w/attempted murder of Hibbard. [April 17, 2004]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2004/04/officer-timothy-hibbard-gerald-landrum.html

Officer Timothy Hibbard - Samuel M. Thomas convicted for dragging Officer Hibbard w/vehicle [August 15, 2002]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2002/08/officer-timothy-hibbard-samuel-m-thomas.html

No charges against Jackson police officer involved in domestic dispute

Danielle Salisbury

MLive

February 28, 2014 at 6:30 AM

Updated February 28, 2014 at 7:09 AM 

http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2014/02/special_prosecutor_decides_not.html

JACKSON, MI – A prosecutor has decided not to issue any charges against a Jackson police sergeant who had a heated dispute with his wife, moving a relative to call 911.

There was “insufficient evidence” to charge Timothy Hibbard, a sergeant at the police department, the Branch County prosecutor informed Jackson County Prosecutor Jerry Jarzynka, who asked the state attorney general’s office to assign a special prosecutor to review the case.

Messages left late last week and early this week for Branch County Prosecutor Ralph Kimble were not returned.

When Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies came to Hibbard’s home Jan. 28, Hibbard and his wife, Marcy Hibbard, said they were having a verbal argument. Both said Timothy Hibbard did not push or hit Marcy Hibbard, but she reported she was “very afraid” of her husband, according to a sheriff’s office report. One son also said there was no physical contact. A younger son said Timothy Hibbard shoved his wife as he tried to get to a gun safe.

The younger son's aunt called 911 when the boy contacted her, saying his parents were involved in a domestic situation, according to the sheriff’s office report. He had heard "a bunch of yelling and screaming," and left the house, according to the report.

The couple had been fighting, both Marcy and Timothy Hibbard said. At one point, Hibbard “blew up,” threw his cell phone and broke it. This behavior frightened his wife and she told a deputy she went downstairs and locked herself in a bathroom.

Hibbard kept yelling at her to open the door. He wanted her cell phone, the report states.

He was “shaking” the door, trying to gain access, she said. Timothy Hibbard said he tried to kick in the door. She eventually opened it and he grabbed the phone, yelling and cussing at her, according to the police report.

Hibbard, who had been drinking whiskey and taking medication, started stumbling toward a gun cabinet, but his wife stood in the way. She stopped him when he tried to access it, she told a deputy. Hibbard said he never threatened to use the gun on his wife.

Hibbard and his wife’s dispute centered on an internal issue at the police department, his wife said, according to a sheriff’s report, which does not specify the issue. It involved Marcy Hibbard, who is a service desk employee at the police department, and a supervisor.

Matt Heins, Jackson director of police and fire services, declined to comment when asked about the supervisor’s involvement or position with the department.

He said Hibbard remained on paid administrative leave. Commanders were reviewing an internal investigation and were to make a recommendation to Heins about any needed administrative action, Heins said.

Hibbard was not arrested. He was placed in “protective custody” and taken to Allegiance Health for a mental health evaluation. 

When told of this, Hibbard was "extremely confrontational," the report states. Deputies were able to talk Hibbard into going outside, where he willingly got into a patrol vehicle after a short conversation.

POSSIBLE ASSAULT CASE INVOLVING OFFICER 

February 06, 2014 at 6:45 AM 

Tarryl Jackson

MLive

http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2014/02/jackson_current_series_of_cras.html

JACKSON, MI — Good morning, Jackson! Today is Thursday, Feb. 6.

Welcome to Jackson Current, your daily peek into stories we're working on and a look back at the latest news.

POSSIBLE ASSAULT CASE INVOLVING OFFICER — A prosecutor outside Jackson County will review a possible assault case involving a Jackson police officer. The Jackson County Prosecutor's Office on Monday received a warrant request regarding Timothy Hibbard, a sergeant at the Jackson Police Department, and he has asked the state attorney general's office to assign a special prosecutor to review the case. 

Prosecutor to review possible assault involving police officer

Jackson Citizen Patriot (MI) 

Thursday, February 6, 2014 

By Danielle Salisbury 

http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2014/02/outside_prosecutor_to_review_p.html 

A prosecutor outside Jackson County will review a possible assault case involving a Jackson police officer. 

Jackson County Prosecutor Jerry Jarzynka said his office Monday received a warrant request regarding Timothy Hibbard , a sergeant at the Jackson Police Department, and he has asked the state attorney general's office to assign a special prosecutor to review the case. 

There is an allegation of a physical assault, Jarzynka said, declining to release further details about the complaint. 

County Undersheriff Chris Kuhl said a deputy or deputies were called Jan. 28 to a home in the southern part of the county for a report of a domestic dispute or incident between a husband and wife. 

Kuhl declined to release specifics and did not confirm the name of the man involved. 

The case is open, and the man was not arrested and has not been charged with any crime. 

Kuhl was not aware of anyone being hurt. Only two people were there. 

The man was placed in protective custody and taken to Allegiance Health in Jackson for a mental health evaluation because of statements he made on scene, Kuhl said. 

Matt Heins, Jackson director of police and fire services, said Hibbard is on paid administrative leave while the case is investigated.

Outside prosecutor to review possible assault case involving Jackson police officer

Danielle Salisbury

February 05, 2014 at 7:52 AM

Updated February 05, 2014 at 4:19 PM 

http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2014/02/outside_prosecutor_to_review_p.html

JACKSON, MI – A prosecutor outside Jackson County will review a possible assault case involving a Jackson police officer.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jerry Jarzynka said his office on Monday, Feb. 3, received a warrant request regarding Timothy Hibbard, a sergeant at the Jackson Police Department, and he has asked the state attorney general’s office to assign a special prosecutor to review the case.

There is an allegation of a physical assault, Jarzynka said, declining to release further details about the complaint.

When asked about the case, county Undersheriff Chris Kuhl said a deputy or deputies were called Jan. 28 to a home in the southern part of the county for a report of a domestic altercation or incident between a husband and wife. Kuhl declined to release many specifics and did not confirm the name of the man involved. The case is open and pending and the man was not arrested and has not been charged with any crime.

Kuhl was not aware of anyone being hurt. Only two people were there at the time, he said.

The man was placed in protective custody and taken to Allegiance Health for a mental health evaluation because of statements he made on scene, Kuhl said. 

Matt Heins, Jackson director of police and fire services, said Hibbard is on paid administrative leave as the police department conducts an administrative review to see if there are any policy violations.

The results of the review will determine what, if any, disciplinary action would be required, Heins said.

--------------------

Domestic calls fraught with danger - Emotion, unknowns make for explosive situations

Jackson Citizen Patriot (MI) 

Sunday, March 14, 2010 

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/08/officer-timothy-hibbard-self-defense.html

...Aug. 3, 2008, Marshan Worthey killed his former girlfriend and fired at responding officers with a stolen .22-caliber handgun. Jackson Police Sgt. Timothy Hibbard and officers Jason Ganzhorn and Wesley Stanton returned fire, shooting more than a dozen times and killing Worthey. 

Worthey had shot Shakia Kelley, 22, and dragged her body 100 yards in the area of Bloomfield  Boulevard and Woodbridge Street, officials said... 

Officials: Officers justified in shooting

Jackson Citizen Patriot (MI) 

Friday, August 15, 2008
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/08/officer-timothy-hibbard-self-defense.html

Jackson police officers were justified in shooting to death an armed murder suspect on Aug. 3, investigators and prosecutors concluded Thursday.... 

At a press conference, he played a recording from officers' microphones. The officers are heard ordering Worthey to show his hands as he crouched near Kelley's body at Bloomfield Boulevard and Woodbridge Street. 

"I'll kill you bitches!" Worthey shouted at police, just before they shot him to death... 

Police: Man shot girlfriend - Woman was trying to distance herself from boyfriend before fatal shootings

Jackson Citizen Patriot (MI) 

Tuesday, August 5, 2008 

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/08/officer-timothy-hibbard-self-defense.html

Shakia Kelley had filed a personal protection order against Marshan Worthey and was trying to distance herself from the father of her children... 

Police believe Worthey, 24, shot and killed Shakia Kelley, 22, of Jackson about 5 a.m. Sunday on Bloomfield Boulevard near Woodbridge Street, less than a quarter mile from her home, and dragged her down the road. 

Three Jackson officers, called to a report of shots fired on Bloomfield, shot and killed Worthey after they approached him on Woodbridge Street at W. Euclid Avenue and he pointed a gun at them, Jackson Deputy Chief John Holda said... 

Worthey pointed a handgun at acting Sgt. Timothy Hibbard and officers Jason Ganzhorn and Wesley Stanton, and ignored their verbal commands, Holda said. 

"They fired to stop the threat," he said... 

June 23, 2008

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2004/04/officer-timothy-hibbard-gerald-landrum.html

Gerald Landrum's Michigan Supreme Court appeal of his conviction under MCR 6.508[D] was denied.

Gerald Landrum was originally charged with attempted murder of Officer Timothy Hibbard during an April 2004 arrest. 

Landrum was convicted in July 2004 of assault with intent to do great bodily harm against Officer Hibbard and resisting and obstructing police causing injury...

November 16, 2007
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2004/04/officer-timothy-hibbard-gerald-landrum.html

Gerald Landrum's appeal of his conviction under MCR 6.508[D] was denied

Gerald Landrum was originally charged with attempted murder of Officer Timothy Hibbard during an April 2004 arrest. 

Landrum was convicted in July 2004 of assault with intent to do great bodily harm against Officer Hibbard and resisting and obstructing police causing injury...

Appeal rejected for man who dragged cop

Jackson Citizen Patriot (MI) 

Wednesday, August 22, 2007 

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2002/08/officer-timothy-hibbard-samuel-m-thomas.html

Retired Circuit Judge Alexander Perlos was not known for exceeding sentencing guidelines. 

But he unloaded on Samuel M. Thomas for dragging a Jackson police officer through the street in 2002. He sent Thomas to prison for 20 to 40 years, well above the recommended four to 16 

years... 

Testimony indicated Hibbard's arm was wedged in the car door as Thomas drove 80 yards down the street at 40 mph. Thomas had violated parole and attempted to flee when Hibbard pulled him over in a traffic stop... 

April 28, 2006
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2004/04/officer-timothy-hibbard-gerald-landrum.html

Gerald Landrum's Michigan Supreme Court appeal of his conviction was denied.

Gerald Landrum was originally charged with attempted murder of Officer Timothy Hibbard during an April 2004 arrest. 

Landrum convicted in July 2004 of assault with intent to do great bodily harm against Officer Hibbard and resisting and obstructing police causing injury...

December 22, 2005
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2004/04/officer-timothy-hibbard-gerald-landrum.html

Gerald Landrum's  appeal of his conviction was denied.

Gerald Landrum was originally charged with attempted murder of Officer Timothy Hibbard during an April 2004 arrest. 

Landrum was convicted in July 2004 of assault with intent to do great bodily harm against Officer Hibbard and resisting and obstructing police causing injury...

Appeals fail to overturn two convictions
Jackson Citizen Patriot (MI)
Sunday, May 1, 2005

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2002/08/officer-timothy-hibbard-samuel-m-thomas.html

He dragged a Jackson cop through the streets, breaking his neck...Thomas was convicted of resisting arrest causing serious injury to Officer Timothy Hibbard . 

Circuit Judge Alexander Perlos, now retired, exceeded guidelines with a sentence of 20 to 40 years in prison. The recommended minimum range was four to 16 years... 

Judges have discretion in going under or over sentencing guidelines if their stated reasons are compelling. 

April 26, 2005
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2002/08/officer-timothy-hibbard-samuel-m-thomas.html

Michigan Supreme Court denied Gerald Thomas' appeal of his conviction for his assault on Officer Timothy Hibbard...

Man gets 10 to 15 years after struggle with police
Jackson Citizen Patriot (MI)
Friday, August 6, 2004
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2004/04/officer-timothy-hibbard-gerald-landrum.html

A Jackson man who struggled with three city police officers during his arrest will spend 10 to 15 years in prison...

A jury last month acquitted Landrum of the most serious offense of attempting to murder an officer, but convicted him of four counts: assault with intent to do great bodily harm against Officer Timothy Hibbard ; resisting and obstructing police causing injury, and two counts of resisting and obstructing officers Ryan LePeak and Brent Craft... 












August 05, 2004
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2004/04/officer-timothy-hibbard-gerald-landrum.html

Gerald Landrum sentenced for assault on Officer Timothy Hibbard...

Court upholds judge's sentence
Jackson Citizen Patriot (MI)
Friday, July 16, 2004
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2002/08/officer-timothy-hibbard-samuel-m-thomas.html

A man who dragged a Jackson police officer with his car, breaking his neck, was justly convicted and sentenced fairly by a judge who exceeded guidelines, the state Court of Appeals ruled...

Further, Circuit Judge Alexander Perlos did not abuse his discretion in sentencing Thomas to 20 to 40 years for resisting arrest causing serious injury to an officer. The recommended minimum range was about four to 16 years... 

July 13, 2004
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2002/08/officer-timothy-hibbard-samuel-m-thomas.html

Michigan Court of Appeals denied Samuel M. Thomas' appeal of his conviction for assault of Officer Timothy Hibbard.

Man beats rap, faces time

Jackson Citizen Patriot (MI) 

Thursday, July 8, 2004 

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2004/04/officer-timothy-hibbard-gerald-landrum.html

A man accused of attempting to kill a Jackson police officer and take his gun was acquitted Wednesday of those charges, but still faces up to 20 years in prison. 

A jury found Gerald Landrum guilty of a lesser count of assault with intent to cause great bodily harm less than murder to Officer Timothy Hibbard in his April 17 arrest... 

Officers detail 'lethal' situation
Jackson Citizen Patriot (MI)
Wednesday, July 7, 2004
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2004/04/officer-timothy-hibbard-gerald-landrum.html

...Assistant Prosecutor Allison Bates on Tuesday showed the video recorded from a police patrol car, but will rely on testimony from three Jackson police officers - one of whom Landrum allegedly attempted to kill. 

"He got his right arm around my throat, his left arm going around my body," Officer Timothy Hibbard testified. "I could feel the jerking on my holster and gun."... 

April 17, 2004
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2004/04/officer-timothy-hibbard-gerald-landrum.html

Gerald Landrum was charged with attempted murder of Officer Timothy Hibbard. During his arrest, Landrum choked Officer Hibbard and attempted to wrestle the officer's gun out of its holster.














Incident draws stiff sentence
Jackson Citizen Patriot (MI)
Thursday, December 12, 2002
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2002/08/officer-timothy-hibbard-samuel-m-thomas.html

A Jackson man will spend 20 to 40 years in prison for dragging a city police officer and breaking the officer's neck in what began as a routine traffic stop. 

Samuel Thomas, 36, was sentenced Wednesday by Circuit Judge Alexander Perlos to a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of 40 years for the Aug. 15 incident in which Officer Timothy Hibbard was dragged about 80 yards at speeds of up to 40 mph... 







December 11, 2002
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2002/08/officer-timothy-hibbard-samuel-m-thomas.html

Samuel M. Thomas was sentenced to 20 - 40 years in prison for his August 2002 assault on Officer Timothy Hibbard...

Man convicted in cop dragging

Jackson Citizen Patriot (MI)
Thursday, November 7, 2002
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2002/08/officer-timothy-hibbard-samuel-m-thomas.html

Parolee could face life in prison after being found guilty in the incident in which an officer suffered a broken neck... 

"I was fleeing and eluding to keep from going to jail," Thomas testified. "He put his self in danger." ...

Officers Steven Scarpino and Andrew Flint testified Hibbard was dragged or carried up to 245 feet. Hibbard said he thought Thomas was driving 30 to 40 mph and trying to shuck him off against a tree... 

August 15, 2002

During a traffic stop, Samuel Thomas dragged Officer Timothy Hibbard several yards with his vehicle - at speeds estimated to be upwards to 40 mph. Officer Hibbard suffered a broken neck.

08032008 - Officer Timothy Hibbard - Self-defense shooting of murderer Marshan Worthey - Jackson PD

Also See:

Officer Timothy Hibbard - Jackson PD - A family in crisis...
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2014/01/officer-timothy-hibbard-jackson-pd.html

Officer Timothy Hibbard - Gerald Landrum charged w/attempted murder of Hibbard. [April 17, 2004]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2004/04/officer-timothy-hibbard-gerald-landrum.html

Officer Timothy Hibbard - Samuel M. Thomas convicted for dragging Officer Hibbard w/vehicle [August 15, 2002]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2002/08/officer-timothy-hibbard-samuel-m-thomas.html

On August 3, 2008 Officer Timothy Hibbard and other Jackson PD officers responded to a DV call at the home of Shakia Kelley, who had a protective order against her ex-boyfriend Marshan Worthey. Just two days prior, Worthey had been released from jail for violating the PPO.

When the Jackson officers arrived on the scene, Worthy had already shot and killed Shakia. Worthy was dragging Shakia's body down the street and shooting at responding officers. 

Worthy ignored the officers' orders for him to drop his weapon. Instead Worthy's response to the police was to shout at them, "I'll kill you bitches!" as continued to shoot at them. Officer Hibbard and the other responding officers were left with no other choice but to return fire. 

And Worthy's mama said, "They wrong the way they shot him down and they think they can get away with that!"

Domestic calls fraught with danger - Emotion, unknowns make for explosive situations

Jackson Citizen Patriot (MI) 

Sunday, March 14, 2010 

Police officers often work alone. They pull over speeders, follow up on missing persons' reports and investigate crime typically by themselves. 

A domestic disturbance or assault is a different story. Most local departments send officers to those calls in pairs. 

"There's a lot of emotion in them," said Blackman Township Public Safety Director Mike Jester. 

"Officers know that it is a dangerous situation. It's something that's always in the back of their mind." 

In 2009, more officers were shot while on domestic disturbance calls than any other sort of dispatch, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Nearly a quarter,12, of the 49 firearm-related deaths in 2009 happened on domestic disturbance calls. 

The organization's 2009 preliminary Law Enforcement Officer Deaths report concludes that "Once again, responding to domestic disturbance calls proved to be particularly dangerous for America's law enforcement officers during 2009." 

The FBI found that of the 530 officers killed between 1999 and 2008, 14 percent died while investigating a disturbance call, including domestic disturbances. Of the more than half a million officers assaulted during those same years, 31 percent were on disturbance calls. 

Between 2006 and 2009 in Jackson, officers three times shot and killed a person during a domestic disturbance call. In each, the prosecutors reviewing the case ruled the officers acted justly in the shootings. 

And it was a domestic disturbance call that led to the shooting death last week of Jackson Police Officer James Bonneau. Early Tuesday, Bonneau and Blackman Township Department of Public Safety Officer Darin McIntosh entered the house of Elvin Potts on Mitchell Street. Potts shot at the officers, investigators said, killing Bonneau and wounding McIntosh before McIntosh shot and killed Potts. 

Bonneau, 26, the first Jackson Police officer killed in the line of duty since 1978, was laid to rest Friday. McIntosh, 22, attended the funeral but is still recovering at Allegiance Health. 

Detectives concluded their investigation into the 12:26 a.m. shooting at 140 Mitchell St. on Thursday. They expect to send the case to the prosecutor's office Monday. 

"It's not the bank robbery or the bad rapist. Generally officers get killed in situations like this," said retired Jackson Police Officer Robert Howe. 

Jackson Deputy Chief John Holda said domestic-disturbance situations have always been dangerous. When officers respond to domestic reports, often the two parties are still fighting.

Officers typically enter into someone's house, placing the officer in unfamiliar surroundings. 

People are yelling and arguing. Holda called the situations volatile. 

"People have arguments," Holda said, "but when it gets to the point where someone is calling a police officer obviously emotions are at their highest." 

Because a domestic situation often involves two people, it is procedure at the Jackson department and many others to always respond with at least two officers. The officers' task at a domestic, Holda said, is to first separate the fighting parties. 

The Jackson department conducts frequent training on domestic disturbances, Holda said. 

Officers study not only how to tactically handle and diffuse the conflicts but also how to protect and help the victim in the case. 

Even before police officers respond to their first real-life domestic disturbance call, the scenario and procedure has been drilled into them during their police academy training. Ronald Ivey, director of the Kellogg Community College Police Academy in Battle Creek, said his recruits spend 15 hours in the classroom learning about domestic disturbances and countless hours in scenario training.

Ivey, a 30-year veteran of the Marshall Department of Public Safety, said there is no normal or general domestic violence situation, but the recruits study trends and commonalities among different cases.

His academy teaches recruits to stay close to their partners during the investigation and to interview subjects in areas where there is nothing that could be used a weapon. The kitchen, he said, is off-limits. 

Michigan State Police Sgt. Josh Lator said training at the state level tries to incorporate domestic violence in nearly every situation. 

When training how to deal with crimes in progress, mastering defense tactics or even learning how to ask a loud party to turn down the music, the state police Training Academy blends domestic violence into all of it. 

Lator said he teaches officers to be aware of and use four "P's" when responding to a domestic violence situation: 

Plan - Make office safety a top priority; 

Perceive - Use all five senses; 

Perform - Modify the plan if necessary, then execute it; 

Presume - Never presume, always use all your training. 

In these situations, nothing can be discredited or ignored, Lator said. 

"You've got neighbors; you've got pets. You've got other people showing up on scene," Lator said. "You have to be willing to really take your time and step back and say, 'This is what I see, and this is what my training tells me.' " 

Then, Lator said, the officer has to make the right decision. The officer has to make a decision that keeps the victim safe and keeps the officer safe. 

On any given night, Jackson-area officers respond to several domestic disturbance calls. 

Addresses and suspect descriptions chirp across the police radio so frequently, they almost seem routine. But for each officer on each call, they are anything but routine. 

Recent deadly domestic disturbance calls 

Since April 2006, Jackson County police have killed three men and a woman. All of the shootings were precipitated by acts of domestic violence. 

In all but the most recent event involving Elvin Potts, which is yet to be reviewed, prosecutors found the officers' actions justified. 

Jackson Sgt. Michael Gleeson shot and killed Terrance "Terry" Wheeler on May 27 when Wheeler, 58, refused to drop a knife he used to fatally stab his former girlfriend, Dorothy Holliday, 43. 

Gleeson and Officer Chad Dermyer arrived at Holliday's home at 815 Maltby St. after a neighbor reported Wheeler's brother, who since has recovered, had been stabbed and was on the front lawn.

They entered the home and saw Wheeler dart from the kitchen to the bathroom and close the door. Gleeson kicked open the bathroom door and saw Wheeler stabbing Holliday on the floor. 

Wheeler ignored a command to drop his weapon, and the sergeant fired at Wheeler, who fell and continued his assault on Holliday, the prosecutor's office reported. Gleeson then continued shooting, firing nine total bullets. 

Neighbors, family members and friend of Holliday described Wheeler as an angry, violent man with a temper and a big voice. 

He had lived in the Maltby Street home with his brother and Holliday, who had recently kicked Wheeler out of her house. 

Aug. 3, 2008, Marshan Worthey killed his former girlfriend and fired at responding officers with a stolen .22-caliber handgun. Jackson Police Sgt. Timothy Hibbard and officers Jason Ganzhorn and Wesley Stanton returned fire, shooting more than a dozen times and killing Worthey. 

Worthey had shot Shakia Kelley, 22, and dragged her body 100 yards in the area of Bloomfield  Boulevard and Woodbridge Street, officials said. 

On a recording played at an Aug. 14 press conference, the officers were heard ordering Worthey to show his hands as he crouched near Kelley's body. "I'll kill you, b-------," he shouted at cops before he died. 

Worthey and Kelley had a tumultuous relationship that worsened when she tried to break away, police and family members said. She had a personal protection order against Worthey, and he was jailed for five days for violating it shortly before the shooting. 

Jackson Police Sgt. Kevin Hiller and Officer Lisa Medina shot Theresa Cram April 19, 2006, outside her Steward Avenue home as Cram charged toward Medina, wielding a knife. 

Cram did not respond to officers' nine requests to drop the knife, according to recordings. 

Her roommate had called police and said Cram held a knife to her throat. 

Cram had a history of mental-health problems, her brother said, and had spent time in a residential mental hospital for schizophrenia. 

Before Cram's death, it had been 13 years since an officer in Jackson County used deadly force. 

Officials: Officers justified in shooting

Jackson Citizen Patriot (MI) 

Friday, August 15, 2008 

Jackson police officers were justified in shooting to death an armed murder suspect on Aug. 3, investigators and prosecutors concluded Thursday. 

A witness and taped microphone recordings confirmed Marshan Worthey fired upon police and they returned fire, striking him multiple times, Jackson County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Mark Blumer said. 

A police recording from the scene indicated Worthey fired a .22-caliber handgun before three officers shot more than a dozen times at him. Worthey had killed his former girlfriend, Shakia Kelley, and dragged her body 100 yards, Blumer said. 

"There is strong evidence this was suicide by cop," he said. 

At a press conference, he played a recording from officers' microphones. The officers are heard ordering Worthey to show his hands as he crouched near Kelley's body at Bloomfield Boulevard and Woodbridge Street. 

"I'll kill you bitches!" Worthey shouted at police, just before they shot him to death. 

The three officers involved remain on paid administrative leave and will be evaluated to see if they are emotionally ready to return to work, Police Chief Matt Heins said. 

Sgt. Timothy Hibbard and officers Jason Ganzhorn and Wesley Stanton are doing well, Heins said. Eventually, they will undergo "fit-for-duty" evaluation. 

"This is a traumatic event not just for the officers involved," Heins said. "It impacts the whole department." 

Heins called for an outside investigation the day of the shootings. 

A state police detective and two Jackson County sheriff's detectives completed a 60-page report, concluding Worthey shot first and the officers responded. 

"The officers tried to make a clean arrest and Mr. Worthey left them no option," Blumer said. 

Members of Worthey's family said they believe officers could have handled it differently, but were not surprised to learn Thursday the officers had been cleared. 

"My son is dead and gone. They (were) wrong the way they shot him down and they think they can get away with that," said Worthey's mother, Alma Brown of Jackson. "I ain't going to let it go." 

She said it has been difficult losing not only Worthey, but Kelley, who had been involved with Worthey since high school. 

"Shakia was like a daughter to me," she said, declining to discuss the events leading up to Worthey's death or the crime police say he committed. 

"I am just going to let him rest in peace," she said. 

Worthey, 24, and Kelley, 22, had a tumultuous relationship that worsened when she tried to break away, police and family members said. She had a personal protection order against him, and he was jailed for five days after violating it, Blumer said. 

Worthey, a father to five, had been out of jail two days when he attacked Kelley in the early morning of Sunday, Aug. 3. Blumer said Worthey shot Kelley multiple times with a .22-caliber handgun that was reported stolen a year ago. 

He then dragged her body about 100 yards, apparently to hide it, Blumer said. 

A man from the neighborhood who witnessed the shoot-out told police that he saw Worthey dragging a woman and saw him shoot at police.

While the investigation is closed, police await a report on tissue samples sent to the state police crime lab. Blumer said it is possible Worthey was high on drugs at the time of his death. 

"I never knew my baby to do (any) drugs," Brown said, leaning against a car outside her mother's home, which had a seemingly constant stream of visitors. 

Blumer declined to disclose the number of bullet wounds in Worthey and Kelley, but said Kelley was not hit by any stray bullets fired by police. 

04172004 - Officer Timothy Hibbard - Gerald Landrum charged w/attempted murder of Hibbard - Jackson PD

Also See:

Officer Timothy Hibbard - Jackson PD - A family in crisis...
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2014/01/officer-timothy-hibbard-jackson-pd.html

Officer Timothy Hibbard - Self-defense shooting of murderer Marshan Worthey [ August 08, 2008]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/08/officer-timothy-hibbard-self-defense.html

Officer Timothy Hibbard - Samuel M. Thomas convicted for dragging Officer Hibbard w/vehicle [August 15, 2002]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2002/08/officer-timothy-hibbard-samuel-m-thomas.html

During his arrest in April 2004, Gerald Landrum tried to choke Officer Hibbard and grab his handgun.

Gerald Landrum was originally charged with attempted murder of Officer Timothy Hibbard.

Landrum was convicted in July 2004 of assault with intent to do great bodily harm against Officer Hibbard, and resisting and obstructing police causing injury. He is currently serving a 10 - 15 year prison sentence.

Landrum spent the first four years of his imprisonment filing numerous appeals, in an attempt to have his conviction for his attempt on the life of Officer Hibbard overturned. 

June 23, 2008

Gerald Landrum's Michigan Supreme Court appeal of his conviction under MCR 6.508[D] was denied.

November 16, 2007

Gerald Landrum's State appeal of his conviction under MCR 6.508[D] was denied.

April 28, 2006

Gerald Landrum's Michigan Supreme Court appeal of his conviction was denied.

December 22, 2005

Gerald Landrum's appeal of his conviction was denied.

Man gets 10 to 15 years after struggle with police

Jackson Citizen Patriot (MI)

Friday, August 6, 2004

A Jackson man who struggled with three city police officers during his arrest will spend 10 to 15 years in prison. 

"This is an assaultive individual who wants to put the blame on everyone else," Assistant Prosecutor Allison Bates said of Gerald Landrum. 

A jury last month acquitted Landrum of the most serious offense of attempting to murder an officer, but convicted him of four counts: assault with intent to do great bodily harm against Officer Timothy Hibbard ; resisting and obstructing police causing injury, and two counts of resisting and obstructing officers Ryan LePeak and Brent Craft. [Officer Brent Craft - DV arrest - Jackson PD -April 24, 2006 http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2006/05/officer-brent-craft-jackson-police.html ]

Landrum, 31, was on parole for assault with intent to do great bodily harm when Hibbard attempted to arrest him in the 900 block of Williams Street on April 17. Police said Landrum was drunk and out past his 11 p.m. curfew. 

Hibbard said Landrum tried to choke him and grab his handgun in the struggle. All three police and Landrum scuffled on the ground before Landrum was subdued with pepper spray and some punches to the head. Landrum blamed the fight on Hibbard, who was not in court Thursday. 

" Timothy Hibbard tried to stretch the truth," Landrum said. "The entire sum of his injuries was a sore throat and bruised shoulder. It was not me causing injuries." 

"Grotesque," Bates said of Landrum's explanation. "He is the one who chose to fight." 

Landrum's criminal background includes second-degree criminal sexual conduct, possession of cocaine, open intoxicants, marijuana possession, loitering, attempted resisting and obstructing and assault. 

August 05, 2004

Gerald Landrum sentenced for assault on Officer Timothy Hibbard.

Man beats rap, faces time

Jackson Citizen Patriot (MI) 

Thursday, July 8, 2004 

Gerald Landrum is found guilty of lesser charges in melee with police officers. 

A man accused of attempting to kill a Jackson police officer and take his gun was acquitted Wednesday of those charges, but still faces up to 20 years in prison. 

A jury found Gerald Landrum guilty of a lesser count of assault with intent to cause great bodily harm less than murder to Officer Timothy Hibbard in his April 17 arrest. 

It also found him guilty of three counts of resisting and obstructing police and not guilty of attempting to disarm Hibbard and Officer Ryan LePeak. 

Hibbard, who testified that Landrum choked him during the melee, said he would have preferred a guilty verdict for attempted murder because he believes that was Landrum's intent. 

He noted the restraint he and Officers LePeak and Brent Craft used in subduing the drunken subject without guns or clubs. 

"He pushed it to a lethal point, where we would have been justified to use our weapons," said Hibbard, who has twice been assaulted by parolees in Jackson. 

Circuit Judge Edward Grant will sentence Landrum as a habitual offender Aug. 5. Landrum, 31, was on parole for assault with intent to cause great bodily harm when he broke parole conditions April 17. 

LePeak and Hibbard, on bicycle patrol at 1 a.m., approached Landrum in the 900 block of Williams Street after he got out of a van parked in the street. They learned he was on parole and had broken two conditions of drinking and staying out past 11 p.m. 

The officers said Landrum was jumpy and immediately resisted arrest. 

Hibbard testified Landrum choked him as the four struggled to the ground, and that he pulled two snaps on his holster in an attempt to pull his handgun. LePeak, too, said Landrum tried to get his gun from his holster. 

"I never choked Officer Hibbard," Landrum testified in his defense. "I never intended to hurt anyone. They just whooped my ass for no reason." 

He said he had just 50 days left on parole and would not have jeopardized it by fighting with police. 

Landrum said the officers punched him repeatedly in the head and emptied two canisters of mace in his face, causing temporary blindness. He said Hibbard's neck landed on his right arm and cut off the circulation, while LePeak and Craft worked at his left arm. 

"Why didn't you relax and go limp?" Assistant Prosecutor Allison Bates asked. 

"I never had time to relax," he said. "There were three of them and one of me." 

Several witnesses at the scene were subpoenaed to testify for Landrum, but they failed to show Wednesday, defense attorney Jerry Engle said. 

Officers detail 'lethal' situation

Jackson Citizen Patriot (MI)

Wednesday, July 7, 2004

Jurors expecting a "Cops" TV version of the April 17 arrest of Gerald Landrum saw instead a shadowy, distant image of a struggle on the pavement of Williams Street. 

Assistant Prosecutor Allison Bates on Tuesday showed the video recorded from a police patrol car, but will rely on testimony from three Jackson police officers - one of whom Landrum allegedly attempted to kill. 

"He got his right arm around my throat, his left arm going around my body," Officer Timothy Hibbard testified. "I could feel the jerking on my holster and gun." 

Hibbard and Officer Ryan LePeak were on bicycle patrol about 1 a.m. and approached a van parked in the 900 block of Williams in the middle of the street. 

Landrum, a passenger, had gotten out of the van and was attempting to get back in when police stopped him. He produced his ID and submitted to a preliminary breath test after officers suspected he had been drinking, a violation of his parole. 

LePeak said Landrum had a blood-alcohol level of 0.12 percent. 

A background check indicated the 31-year-old Jackson man had two Friend of the Court warrants for nonpayment of child support. 

He also had violated parole, staying out past 11 p.m. and drinking - normally a sure trip to jail. 

Officers said Landrum was agitated and would not stand still as they tried to form a triangle around him, with the assistance of Officer Brent Craft, who arrived in a car. 

"I said let's lock him down," LePeak testified. "I reached for his left hand and the fight was on." 

The audio/video system in Craft's car recorded the scene, but not in great detail because of darkness and distance, and the confusion of four men locked in struggle. 

LePeak and Hibbard said Landrum grabbed for their handguns, which were in "triple retention" holsters with button snaps over the top and behind the gun. A snapping motion required to remove the weapon is the third safeguard. 

Hibbard said Landrum had removed both snaps and applied a choke hold around his neck as the four tumbled to the ground. 

"Mace him!" an officer identified as Hibbard shouts in the police video. 

LePeak and Craft sprayed Landrum in the face with a combination of pepper spray and mace. He was unaffected, the officers said. 

Hibbard said Landrum loosened his grip on his right hand briefly, moved his left hand farther up the wrist and pulled even tighter.

"It was a lethal force situation," LePeak testified. 

Hibbard was face-down and unable to breathe or speak, he said.

Landrum and the other two officers were on top, grabbing for Landrum's arms and punching the back of his head. 

Unable to use a gun or club because of the danger to other officers, police struck Landrum with the palms of their hands, and then with fists. In less than 30 seconds, Craft and LePeak freed Hibbard, who then helped subdue Landrum before pulling to the side to swallow fresh air. 

Police said Landrum taunted them and called them names throughout the fight. 

"He said, 'You'd better lift some weights, bitch,'" Craft testified. 

"I remember him calling me a white bitch," Hibbard testified. 

Landrum is black, and the officers are white. 

Besides assault with intent to murder, Landrum is charged with two counts of attempting to disarm police; one count of resisting and obstructing police causing injury, and two counts of resisting and opposing. 

Hibbard rode his bike back to the station within minutes of the arrest and was treated for minor injuries later that morning at Foote Hospital. Just two years ago, Hibbard suffered head and neck injuries when a parole violator dragged him 200 feet after a routine traffic stop. 

Landrum's trial is expected to conclude today. He is defended by attorney Jerry Engle, who will argue Landrum was in no position to choke Hibbard, nor did he intend to, and that the entire "wrestling match" lasted longer.

April 17, 2004

Gerald Landrum was charged with attempted murder of Officer Timothy Hibbard. During his arrest, Landrum choked Officer Hibbard and attempted to wrestle the officer's gun out of its holster.

At the time of his arrest, Landrum had two Friend of the Court warrants for nonpayment of child support. 

Landrum was also on parole for assault with intent to cause great bodily harm. He was in violation of parole on April 17th for staying out past 11 p.m. and drinking. 

08152002 - Officer Timothy Hibbard - Samuel M. Thomas convicted for dragging Officer Hibbard w/vehicle - Jackson PD

Also See:

Officer Timothy Hibbard - Jackson PD - A family in crisis...
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2014/01/officer-timothy-hibbard-jackson-pd.html

Officer Timothy Hibbard - Self-defense shooting of murderer Marshan Worthey [ August 08, 2008]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/08/officer-timothy-hibbard-self-defense.html

Officer Timothy Hibbard - Gerald Landrum charged w/attempted murder of Hibbard. [April 17, 2004]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2004/04/officer-timothy-hibbard-gerald-landrum.html

Samuel M. Thomas had only 9 months left on parole for his 1999 breaking and entering conviction, when he was pulled over for a traffic stop on August 15, 2002 by Officer Timothy Hibbard. 

Thomas had no driver's license, vehicle registration, or proof of insurance.

During the traffic stop, Thomas attempted to drive off. He dragged Officer Hibbard with his vehicle several yards, at speeds up to 40 mph. At one point, Timothy attempted to 'scrape' Hibbard's body off his vehicle by driving up against a tree.

Officer Hibbard suffered a broken neck in the assault.

Thomas later stated that he had been on parole at the time, he did not want to go back to jail, and that he did not care what he did to try to get away.

At trial, Thomas made the following comment about the injury he caused to Officer Hibbard: "I was fleeing and eluding to keep from going to jail. He put his self in danger." 

Thomas was convicted of resisting arrest causing serious injury to Officer Timothy Hibbard and sentenced in December 2002, to 20 - 40 years in prison.

Thomas spent the first five years of his incarceration attempting to have his conviction overturned. 

Appeal rejected for man who dragged cop

Jackson Citizen Patriot (MI) 

Wednesday, August 22, 2007 

Retired Circuit Judge Alexander Perlos was not known for exceeding sentencing guidelines. 

But he unloaded on Samuel M. Thomas for dragging a Jackson police officer through the street in 2002. He sent Thomas to prison for 20 to 40 years, well above the recommended four to 16 years. 

Every judge since has sided with Perlos, including a federal judge who denied Thomas' appeal on Tuesday. 

Thomas, 41, exhausted his appeals in state courts two years ago. 

Thomas was convicted of resisting arrest causing serious injury to Officer Timothy Hibbard. 

The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled Hibbard suffered a "serious impairment of bodily function" in the Aug. 15, 2002, incident, and that the sentence was fair given the circumstances. The state Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal. 

Testimony indicated Hibbard's arm was wedged in the car door as Thomas drove 80 yards down the street at 40 mph. Thomas had violated parole and attempted to flee when Hibbard pulled him over in a traffic stop. 

Hibbard returned to the force after six weeks and was injured again two years later in a scuffle with a drunken suspect who attempted to choke him. 

Appeals fail to overturn two convictions

Jackson Citizen Patriot (MI)

Sunday, May 1, 2005

He dragged a Jackson cop through the streets, breaking his neck. 

She embezzled $1.5 million from the Jackson office of AAA of Michigan.

Both got what was coming to them, Michigan's high courts ruled this week in rejecting appeals by Samuel M. Thomas and Nancy L. Romano. 

Thomas was convicted of resisting arrest causing serious injury to Officer Timothy Hibbard. 

Circuit Judge Alexander Perlos, now retired, exceeded guidelines with a sentence of 20 to 40 years in prison. The recommended minimum range was four to 16 years. 

The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled in July that Hibbard suffered a "serious impairment of bodily function" in the Aug. 15, 2002, incident, and that the sentence was fair given the circumstances. 

Hibbard was back on the job after six weeks. 

The Supreme Court denied hearing the appeal, which means Thomas essentially has hit a brick wall with little chance of an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, said Jerrold Schrotenboer, chief appellate attorney for Jackson County. 

Prosecutors alleged Thomas, 39, dragged Hibbard wedged in his car door for 80 yards down the street at 40 mph. Thomas had violated parole and attempted to flee when Hibbard pulled him over in a traffic stop. 

Romano, 58, is in the second year of a 5- to 14-year prison sentence for embezzlement. She was sentenced in February 2004 after pleading guilty to charges of embezzling, uttering and publishing and forgery. 

Like Perlos, Circuit Judge Charles Nelson exceeded guidelines because he said they did not accurately reflect the magnitude of the crime. Romano, a 36-year employee of AAA, used her position as a claims adjuster to bilk the company out of $1.5 million over several years. 

Investigators said she "piggy-backed" legitimate claims checks with identical forged checks that she stole. 

She allegedly spent the money on cars, mortgages, home repairs, credit debt, trips, taxes and perks for her family. 

Officials believe she stashed a big chunk of the cash, which she denies. 

Probation officials recommended a sentence of five to 23 months. 

The Michigan Court of Appeals declined to hear Romano's appeal. 

She can appeal to the state Supreme Court. 

Judges have discretion in going under or over sentencing guidelines if their stated reasons are compelling. 

April 26, 2005

Michigan Supreme Court denied Gerald Thomas' appeal of his conviction for his assault on Officer Timothy Hibbard.

Court upholds judge's sentence
Jackson Citizen Patriot (MI)
Friday, July 16, 2004

A man who dragged a Jackson police officer with his car, breaking his neck, was justly convicted and sentenced fairly by a judge who exceeded guidelines, the state Court of Appeals ruled. 

Samuel M. Thomas did cause "serious impairment of body function" to Officer Timothy Hibbard in an Aug. 15, 2002, traffic stop that turned violent, the higher court concluded. 

Further, Circuit Judge Alexander Perlos did not abuse his discretion in sentencing Thomas to 20 to 40 years for resisting arrest causing serious injury to an officer. The recommended minimum range was about four to 16 years. At sentencing, Perlos called Thomas a "bad actor" with no sign of improving. 

Thomas, 38, was sentenced as a habitual offender. He blamed Hibbard's injuries on the officer, saying it was Hibbard's choice to jump in his car to attempt to stop him. Police said Thomas knew he had violated parole and fled with no regard to the officer's safety. 

Hibbard was dragged 80 yards at up to 40 mph, injuring his leg and neck. He missed two and a half months of work initially. 

A Jackson officer for six years, Hibbard recently was involved in a scuffle with a parolee who was accused of trying to choke him. 

In the appeal, Thomas argued there was no "serious impairment of a body function," and that Perlos did not have a compelling reason to exceed sentencing guidelines. The appeals court rejected both arguments. 

"The officer lost the use of that limb (left leg) almost completely for several weeks while he was on crutches and, to a more limited extent, during the several months that he was unable to return to work," the court stated. 

And, while there was no immediate nerve damage causing paralysis, "the treating physician testified there was a fifty-fifty possibility that future problems could develop as a result of the broken vertebral bone." 

The ruling, now case law, clarifies the "serious impairment" category to include a leg injury that is more long-lasting than seemingly more serious injuries. The court cited a head wound rendering someone comatose for three days with no lasting impact. 

Regarding the stiff sentence, Perlos got it right, the appeals court said. The points system in sentencing guidelines did not take into account Thomas's "complete disregard for the officer's life," nor his 34 misconduct citations in a previous prison sentence, the ruling stated. 

July 13, 2004

Michigan Court of Appeals denied Samuel M. Thomas' appeal of his conviction for assault of Officer Timothy Hibbard.

Incident draws stiff sentence

Jackson Citizen Patriot (MI)

Thursday, December 12, 2002

A Jackson man will spend 20 to 40 years in prison for dragging a city police officer and breaking the officer's neck in what began as a routine traffic stop. 

Samuel Thomas, 36, was sentenced Wednesday by Circuit Judge Alexander Perlos to a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of 40 years for the Aug. 15 incident in which Officer Timothy Hibbard was dragged about 80 yards at speeds of up to 40 mph. 

Thomas, a habitual offender, was convicted Nov. 6 of resisting and obstructing an officer causing serious injury. 

"I'm just glad it worked out and he won't be around to hurt society anymore," said Hibbard, who was off work until November. 

"I'm very satisfied with the sentence," Chief Assistant Prosecutor David Lady said. "It's above the guidelines and reflects the seriousness of the offense and the danger he put Officer Hibbard in." 

Perlos called the act deliberate and intentional. 

"You're just a bad actor," Perlos told Thomas before the sentence. 

"There's no question about that and you've been one for a long time and you're not getting any better." 

Thomas has been in prison since he was arrested later Aug. 15 in Detroit on a parole violation. He had been paroled in 1999 after serving eight years in prison for breaking and entering. 

Hibbard said he stopped Thomas about 12:45 a.m. because his headlights weren't on. Thomas gave him a false name and said he had no license or identification. 

When Thomas started the truck and began to move, Hibbard stuck his arm in and wedged his body in Thomas' lap before he was dragged. 

Thomas' attorney, Paul Adams, maintained his client was simply trying to avoid a night in jail. Perlos disagreed. 

Thomas said he was sorry the officer was hurt, but said it was Hibbard's choice to jump into the vehicle.

December 11, 2002

Samuel M. Thomas was sentenced to 20 - 40 years in prison for his August 2002 assault on Officer Timothy Hibbard.

Man convicted in cop dragging

Jackson Citizen Patriot (MI)

Thursday, November 7, 2002

Parolee could face life in prison after being found guilty in the incident in which an officer suffered a broken neck. 

A new state law protecting police officers was written for people like Samuel Thomas, local police and prosecutors say. 

Thomas, 36, was the first man in Jackson County charged with resisting and obstructing a police officer causing serious injuries, and also was the first found guilty of the law enacted July 15. 

Circuit Judge Alexander Perlos convicted Thomas on Wednesday after hearing six prosecution witnesses and Thomas, who blamed Officer Timothy Hibbard for injuries the officer sustained Aug. 15 after a routine traffic stop. 

"I was fleeing and eluding to keep from going to jail," Thomas testified. "He put his self in danger." 

Defense attorney Paul Adams, too, questioned why Hibbard reached into Thomas' Chevrolet S-10 pickup in an attempt to turn off the ignition on Adrian Street. 

"I can't imagine getting into a vehicle that is attempting to flee and elude," Adams said in his summation in the bench trial. 

Perlos didn't buy Thomas' explanation, saying he thought it interesting Thomas would blame the incident on Hibbard. 

"The officer should be commended because that was his duty," Perlos remarked. It is his job to nab fleeing subjects, and reaching in a vehicle for the ignition was Hibbard's discretion, Perlos said. 

While resisting and obstructing is a felony that carries a five-year prison sentence, adding serious injury boosts the maximum sentence by 10 years. Because Thomas is a habitual offender, he could be sentenced to life in prison on Dec. 11, Chief Assistant Prosecutor David Lady said. 

Thomas has been in prison since he was arrested later in the day on Aug. 15 in Detroit on a parole violation. He had served eight years in prison and was paroled in 1999. 

Hibbard said he stopped Thomas about 12:45 a.m. because his headlights were not on. Thomas gave him a false name and said he had no license or identification. 

When Thomas started the truck and began to move, Hibbard stuck his arm in and wedged his body in Thomas' lap. 

"The next thing I remember is being pulled away. My arm was stuck in the steering wheel," Hibbard said. "I told him to stop and he wouldn't. At one point I was no longer worried about arresting him. I just wanted him to stop." 

Officers Steven Scarpino and Andrew Flint testified Hibbard was dragged or carried up to 245 feet. Hibbard said he thought Thomas was driving 30 to 40 mph and trying to shuck him off against a tree. 

At some point, Hibbard fell out of the truck and rolled across the street against a curb. His head and neck were in serious pain and he couldn't move, he said. 

"Not only had he broken his neck, but we thought he broke his left leg," Hibbard's family physician, Dr. Timothy Kval, testified. Doctors eventually learned the leg was sprained and the seventh cervical vertebrae was fractured. 

Although "severely risky," the doctor said, the injury did not cause nerve damage. Hibbard underwent therapy after four days in the hospital, returned to light duty in October and full duty this week. 

Detective Timothy Gonzalez, the chief investigator, encountered Thomas at the Wayne County Jail shortly after his arrest. He was initially "aggressive and rude," Gonzalez said, but eventually confessed. 

"Without any questioning, he said he was sorry, that he didn't mean to hurt the officer," Gonzalez testified. 

At the same time, the detective said, Thomas blamed the incident on Hibbard for trying to stop him. 

"He did not care what he did to get away," Gonzalez said. "He was determined not to go to jail." 

1999 - 

Samuel M. Thomas paroled on breaking and entering conviction.

He had been paroled in 1999 after serving eight years in prison for breaking and entering. 

July 24, 1998

Samuel Thomas filed appeal against Parole Board.

October 24, 1991 - 

Samuel Thomas sentenced to 3 - 22 years for breaking and entering conviction.

October 06, 1990 - 

Samuel Thomas charged with breaking and entering.