Sunday, July 31, 2011

07312011 - Officer Steven Luthy - Kalamazoo PD








'Disorderly' officer back on duty
Steven Luthy originally charged with hitting wife

Updated: Monday, 27 Feb 2012, 7:49 PM EST
Published : Monday, 27 Feb 2012, 5:47 PM EST
By Leon Hendrix
WOOD TV News
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kalamazoo_and_battle_creek/steven-luthy-back-on-duty-022712










Officer Steven Luthy





Ellen Luthy [Feb. 27, 2012]





Officer Steven Valiant Luthy [July 31, 2011].





Injuries Ellen Luthy suffered in the July 2011 attack.





Injuries Ellen Luthy suffered in the July 2011 attack.





After pleading guilty to charges related to the July 2011 domestic violence attack, Officer Steven Luthy was placed back on duty [Kalamazoo PD] in February 2012.


KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - A Kalamazoo Public Safety officer charged with domestic violence in 2011 has had the charges against him lowered and is now back on duty.

Sheriff's officials released the case details at the request of 24 Hour News 8 now that the case is closed.

Officer Steven Luthy was arrested in July 2011 after Van Buren County Sheriff's deputies responded to a 911 call at his home. The deputies found that Luthy's wife Ellen had visible injuries.
Ellen Luthy said she feared for her life the night of the attack.

"It was a pummeling far beyond anything I have ever experienced in my life," she said.

Luthy claimed that Ellen started the fight by throwing something at him, investigation documents show.

He was originally charged with domestic violence and placed on administrative leave. But in January, prosecutors changed the charge to misdemeanor disorderly persons and Luthy pleaded guilty.

Ellen, who filed for a personal protection order against her husband in August 2011, told 24 Hour News 8 that prosecutors contacted her about lowering the charges.

"I adamantly said that I felt very, very uncomfortable with that," said Ellen. "I felt it was up to the judge to decide what his fate should be."

Had the original charge of domestic violence stuck, Luthy would likely no longer be a police officer. Now, after a five-day suspension and a fine of less than $300, Luthy is back to work.

Ellen said she thinks that Luthy's charge was lowered, in part, because he is a police officer.

"There are certain positions, I believe, that there is a moral and ethical standard that's higher," she said.

Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Chief Jeffrey Hadley told 24 Hour News 8 that the discipline from the department was appropriate.

Officer Luthy has not yet responded to requests for comment.

The Luthys are now in the process of divorcing.








Kalamazoo Public Safety officer gets 5-day suspension following guilty plea in domestic violence case
Published: Tuesday, January 31, 2012, 5:38 PM
Updated: Tuesday, January 31, 2012, 5:52 PM
The Kalamazoo Gazette
By Rex Hall Jr.
http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2012/01/kalamazoo_public_safety_office_15.html


Officer Steven Luthy [Kalamazoo PD]

KALAMAZOO — A Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officer who pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge in a domestic violence case was given a five-day suspension Tuesday by Chief Jeff Hadley.

Steven V. Luthy, 37, of Bloomingdale, was charged with domestic violence following his arrest July 31 for an incident involving his wife at the couple's home. On Jan. 19, Luthy, a 10-year veteran of KDPS, pleaded guilty in Van Buren County District Court to a lesser charge of disturbing the peace.

After he entered his plea, a judge ordered Luthy to pay fines and costs in the case.

In addition to his suspension, Hadley said Luthy was removed from his assignment with the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team and is to be reassigned to the agency's operations division.

Hadley said he expects Luthy to return to duty within a week to 10 days. He said Luthy, who has been on paid administrative leave since July, will lose five days worth of pay with the suspension.

Hadley said he reached the decision on Luthy's suspension after discussions with the city's labor attorney, human resources department and a review of past department practices.

“Looking at the case in its totality ... led us to the conclusion of the discipline that was rendered,” the chief said.

Luthy's wife, Ellen Luthy, told a Van Buren County circuit judge in a petition for a personal-protection order that during the July incident, her husband came home drunk, followed her around their house, hit her in the face and pushed her down some stairs.

The petition also alleged two other previous incidents of domestic violence going back two years.














Kalamazoo Public Safety officer pleads guilty to lesser charge in domestic violence case
Published: Thursday, January 19, 2012, 1:20 PM
Updated: Thursday, January 19, 2012, 6:53 PM
The Kalamazoo Gazette
By Rex Hall Jr.
http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2012/01/kalamazoo_public_safety_office_15.html

SOUTH HAVEN — A Kalamazoo Public Safety officer scheduled to stand trial Thursday for misdemeanor domestic violence instead pleaded guilty to a lesser charge, authorities said.

Steven V. Luthy, 37, of Bloomingdale, appeared in Van Buren County District Court in South Haven and entered a guilty plea to one count of disturbing the peace, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a court official said.

A judge ordered Luthy to pay fines and costs in the case after he entered his plea. Luthy, a 10-year veteran of KDPS, was originally charged with domestic violence, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail, in connection with a July 31 incident involving his wife at their home.

Luthy's wife, Ellen Luthy, petitioned a Van Buren County circuit judge for a personal-protection order following the incident in July. She wrote to the judge that during the incident her husband had come home drunk, followed her around their house, hit her in the face and pushed her down some stairs.

The petition also alleged two other previous incidents of domestic violence going back two years.

Luthy has been on paid administrative leave at KDPS since his arrest in July.

“We will, in short fashion, complete the internal investigation and have a decision relative to discipline in the near future,” KDPS Chief Jeff Hadley said Thursday of Luthy's status with the department.









Trial date scheduled for Kalamazoo public safety officer accused of domestic violence; court filing details allegations
Published: Monday, August 08, 2011, 6:09 PM
Updated: Monday, August 08, 2011, 6:12 PM
Kalamazoo Gazette The Kalamazoo Gazette
By Rex Hall Jr.
http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2012/01/kalamazoo_public_safety_office_15.html


Officer Steven Luthy [Kalmazoo PD]

PAW PAW — A Kalamazoo Public Safety officer is scheduled to stand trial in October on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge in connection with an incident involving his wife last month at their Van Buren County home.

Attorneys in the case of Steven V. Luthy, 37, met behind closed doors Monday during a pretrial hearing in Van Buren County District Court in South Haven. Luthy is scheduled to appear for a second pretrial hearing Sept. 28 and is to stand trial Oct. 6, a district court official said.

He was arrested July 31 at his home in Bloomingdale and later released on a personal-recognizance bond following his arraignment in district court last week.

Luthy's wife, Ellen Luthy, petitioned Van Buren Circuit Judge Paul E. Hamre for a personal-protection order against her husband on Aug. 1, a day after the incident at their home. Hamre authorized the request the same day. The filing alleges two other incidents of domestic violence going back two years. Court documents indicate the couple has been together five years and that there are three children in the home.

In the filing, Ellen Luthy wrote that her husband has punched her in the face, spat on her and, in one incident several months ago, he told her: "Everyone in our family would be better off if you were dead, I get excited thinking of coming home and seeing your brains splattered everywhere."

Luthy, a 10-year veteran of KDPS, is currently on paid administrative leave with the agency.

In the July 31 incident, Ellen Luthy wrote that "he came home drunk, I asked if he had fun, he started following me, I called my sister. He hit the phone out of my hand, smashed the side of my face, pushed me down the stairs then we fought — he punched me in the face — my sister called the police — he smashed my phone which was actually his."

"Your honor, I am requesting a PPO against my husband, Steve," she wrote to Hamre.

"He was arrested yesterday for physically assaulting me. I am truly in fear for my life with the severity of this situation and numerous prior assaults and threats on my life.

"I am even more so concerned, considering his position and knowledge and access to firearms and weapons. I feel that if his job is in jeopardy that it will displease him to a point of an emotional breakdown. He has shown many times his inability to control his emotions and my family and myself have a great concern of what he is capable of doing."


Included with the PPO petition were photos taken by authorities that show injuries to Ellen Luthy's forehead, knee, chin, leg, arm, ankle, elbow, foot, eye, and back. It's unclear when the photos were taken.

The Gazette was unable to reach Steven Luthy's attorney, David Butler, of Parchment, for this report.







Personal protection order issued against Kalamazoo public safety officer facing domestic violence charge
Published: Friday, August 05, 2011, 5:39 PM
Updated: Friday, August 05, 2011, 5:42 PM
Kalamazoo Gazette The Kalamazoo Gazette
By Rosemary Parker
http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2012/01/kalamazoo_public_safety_office_15.html


Officer Steven Luthy [Kalamazoo PD]

PAW PAW — A personal protection order has been authorized against a Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officer at the request of his wife.

Steven Valient Luthy, 37, a 10-year veteran of the public safety department, is currently on paid administrative leave following an alleged altercation with his wife last Sunday at their home in Bloomingdale.

The couple has been together five years; they have three children.

Van Buren County Circuit Judge Paul Hamre authorized the personal protection order against Luthy, who was arraigned Monday on one count of misdemeanor domestic violence and released on a personal recognizance bond, court records indicated.

A pre-trial conference is scheduled for Monday in Van Buren County District Court.

The Gazette was unable to reach Luthy's attorney, David Butler of Parchment, for comment.


















Wife files PPO against arrested cop
Steven Luthy accused of domestic violence

Updated: Friday, 05 Aug 2011, 12:44 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 05 Aug 2011, 12:10 PM EDT
By Ryan Takeo
WOOD TV News
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kalamazoo_and_battle_creek/Wife-files-PPO-against-arrested-cop












Ellen Luthy's Personal Protective Order Request.





Ellen Luthy's Personal Protective Order Request.





Ellen Luthy's Personal Protective Order Request.

PAW PAW, Mich. (WOOD) - After a Kalamazoo public safety officer was arrested for allegedly beating his wife, she filed for a personal protection order that details what happened.

Steven Luthy was arrested Sunday when police responded to his home on 40th Street in Bloomingdale, and Van Buren County sheriff's deputies found Luthy's wife had visible injuries.

He was taken to the Van Buren County Jail and later charged with domestic violence -- a misdemeanor -- Monday, police records show.

In the PPO, signed by Judge Paul Hamre Monday, Luthy's wife explains what happened.
He came home drunk, she wrote. "I asked if he had fun, he started following me, I called my sister. He hit the phone out of my hand, smashed the side of my face, pushed me down the stairs and we fought. He punched me in the face."

When asked if Luthy had ever threatened her specifically, and what his exact words were, she wrote: "Everyone in our family would be better off if you were dead. I get excited thinking of coming home and seeing your brains splattered anywhere."

And when asked how she would describe her emotions, she wrote, "Thank God they took the guns because if he loses his job because he was arrested, he'll hunt me down and kill me."

Luthy was released from custody and placed on administrative leave, as a KDPS internal investigation continues.












From the comments: KPS officer's arrest prompts discussion of everything from equal treatment to violence
Published: Friday, August 05, 2011, 8:33 AM
Updated: Friday, August 05, 2011, 8:33 AM
The Kalamazoo Gazette
By Rosemary Parker
http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/08/from_the_comments_kps_officers.htm

Stories yesterday about the arrest of Kalamazoo Public Safety officer Steve Luthy over the weekend after his wife called 911 to report domestic violence spurred plenty of comments, on a range of topics, including:

Are police treated differently, by law enforcement and in the media?

landingteam2 said:
Follow this should be watched to see he gets the same treatment the average citizen gets,
To which nwallen responded:
Its already gone beyond what the average citizen gets with him being placed on leave. But yeah as far as the criminal charges portion of it goes, I agree.

And landow said:
The average person does not have a photo and news article written about him/her prior to charges from the Prosecutor's office. Few people are a news item when a misdemeanor is involved.

Is paid administrative leave the proper response by the city?


landingteam2 again said:

how is paid leave different then a vacation?

Other readers worry about domestic violence, in general and among police officers.

voyeur asks:
If this fool can beat his unarmed wife. What does that say about his ablitly to protect and serve other citizen sheep?? Can you say lack of anger managment skills boys and girls !!

DISAMBIGUATION says:
This is a great big problem within our police departments that is rarely brought to light, cops are drunks,they beat their wifes, and they are suicide prone....and they are armed and dangerous.

What do you think?









Kalamazoo officer's pretrial set for Monday in alleged domestic assault matter

Published: Thursday, August 04, 2011, 3:10 PM
Updated: Friday, August 05, 2011, 7:41 AM
Kalamazoo Gazette
By Rosemary Parker
http://www.blogger.com/www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2012/01/kalamazoo_public_safety_office_15.html


Officer Steven Luthy [Kalamazoo PD]

A 37-year-old Kalamazoo police officer arrested in Van Buren County after his wife placed a 911 call shortly before 8 p.m. Sunday, is scheduled to be back in court Monday.

Court records show that Steve Luthy is scheduled for a pretrial hearing Aug 8.

He was was arraigned Aug. 1 in Van Buren County District Court on one count of misdemeanor domestic violence in front of District Judge Robert T. Hentchel.

Hentchel released Luthy on a personal-recognizance bond, the records show.

Van Buren County Undersheriff Gabrielle Rought said this morning that "probable cause existed, so an arrest was made" by sheriff's deputies upon their arrival at the Bloomingdale home of Luthy, a 10-year veteran of Kalamazoo Public Safety.

Rought said she would not release further details about the case, which is at the Van Buren County Prosecutor's Office for review.

Luthy's wife declined to seek medical treatment, which "was offered," Rought said.

Luthy was placed on administrative leave, according to the statement issued by the public safety department.

That statement reads, in part:


The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety was notified immediately of the incident.

Upon his release from the Van Buren County Jail, PSO Luthy was placed on administrative leave by the Office of Professional Standards and they then began an internal investigation into the incident.

PSO Luthy is a 10-year veteran of Public Safety currently assigned to KVET as an investigator. Until such time that this investigation is complete, no further information will be released.













Kalamazoo Public Safety Officer arrested, placed on leave pending probe of domestic violence allegation
Published: Thursday, August 04, 2011, 8:46 AM
Updated: Thursday, August 04, 2011, 1:26 PM
Kalamazoo Gazette
By Rosemary Parker
http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2012/01/kalamazoo_public_safety_office_15.html


KALAMAZOO — A Kalamazoo police officer was arrested in Van Buren County after his wife placed a 911 call shortly before 8 p.m. Sunday, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety confirmed today.

Van Buren County Undersheriff Gabrielle Rought said "probable cause existed, so an arrest was made" by sheriff's deputies upon their arrival at the home of Officer Steve Luthy, a 10-year veteran of Kalamazoo Public Safety.

Rought said she would not release further details about the case, which is at the Van Buren County Prosecutor's Office for review. Luthy's wife declined to seek medical treatment, which "was offered," Rought said.

Luthy was taken to the Van Buren County Jail and, following his release, was placed on administrative leave, according to the statement issued by the public safety department.

That statement reads, in part:
"The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety was notified immediately of the incident. Upon his release from the Van Buren County Jail, PSO Luthy was placed on administrative leave by the Office of Professional Standards and they then began an internal investigation into the incident.

PSO Luthy is a 10-year veteran of Public Safety currently assigned to KVET as an investigator. Until such time that this investigation is complete, no further information will be released. "


Luthy was awarded the department's Professional Excellence Award in 2003 for his work on a hit-and-run accident in which a pedestrian was critically injured.










Kalamazoo officer arrested, suspended
Steven V. Luthy accused of domestic violence

Updated: Thursday, 04 Aug 2011, 7:34 AM EDT
Published : Wednesday, 03 Aug 2011, 10:52 PM EDT
By Leon Hendrix
WOOD TV News
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kalamazoo_and_battle_creek/kzoo-officer-arrested-suspended





















BLOOMINGDALE, Mich. (WOOD) - A Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officer is on administrative leave after police said he got into a fight with his spouse and assaulted her.

Steven V. Luthy was arrested July 31 when police responded to his home on 40th Street in Bloomingdale after receiving a 911 call. Van Buren County sheriff's deputies found that Luthy's spouse had visible injuries. Luthy was then taken to the Van Buren County Jail.

Luthy was charged with domestic violence -- a misdemeanor -- the next day, police records show. He was released from custody and placed on administrative leave, as a KDPS internal investigation continues.

"It's certainly troubling for all parties," KDPS Chief Jeff Hadley said. "It's an unfortunate incident, not only for Mr. Luthy, but for his wife and family and for the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety."

Hadley told 24 Hour News 8 that Luthy has been with the department for 10 years and worked as an investigator on the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team.

Luthy was recognized in 2003 by the department with a Professional Excellence Award, according to the department's website. He recieved the award after working diligently to track down a suspect after a car hit a pedestrian and the driver fled the scene








Michigan Officer Involved Domestic Violence

Monday, July 25, 2011

07252011 - Former Wyoming PD Officer Mark Charles Armstrong - Convicted Of Felonious Assault And Felony Firearms - Pointed Gun At Responding Officers After DV Incident

 


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.