An MSU police officer was justified in shooting a suspect who charged her while breaking into Kresge Art Center on Sunday, officials said Thursday.
A review of the incident showed that the officer, Elizabeth Riggs, was acting in self-defense when she opened fire on Verdine Josey, Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart J. Dunnings III said.
Police arrested Josey, 20, and Larry Richard Shirley, 22, after they allegedly broke into the museum and attempted to steal more than two dozen laptop computers valued at $75,000.
Josey's injuries were not life-threatening and he has been released from the hospital. The bullet struck him in the chest and ricocheted to his wrist, where it was lodged.
Dunnings reviewed the events leading up to the shooting before concluding that Riggs would not face criminal prosecution.
At about 10:40 on Sunday night, students working inside the art center directed police to a locked laboratory where two suspects were believed to be stealing computers.
The suspects apparently tried to burn the lock with a cutting torch. The lock was still hot when officers arrived, Dunnings said.
When police unlocked the door, Josey apparently charged Riggs from a 2-foot range, provoking her to shoot.
"He was coming so fast, she couldn't see if he had anything in his hand or not, so she fired in self-defense," Dunnings said. "It wasn't like he opened it and stood there. He slammed right against the door, hitting the one officer who was unlocking the door.
"He was right there coming at her. She had to react. It wasn't a thinking time."
MSU police officials also concluded Thursday that Riggs, a 13-year veteran of the force, did not violate any department policies or procedures, MSU police Sgt. Florene McGlothian-Taylor said.
Riggs is to be reinstated from a paid administrative leave immediately.
"This is not a common thing that happens here," McGlothian-Taylor said. "They are normally nonforced entries. They are usually not in progress, such as this one.
"Usually, they've already occurred by the time we are contacted."
Both suspects have been arraigned on charges of breaking and entering a building with intent to commit larceny and possession of burglary tools. The felony charges carry maximum penalties of 10 years in prison.
Both were released on bond.
Students are holding a forum at 8 p.m. on Monday in the basement of the MSU Union to discuss recent incidents of questionable police behavior at MSU and in other Michigan communities.
Last week, East Lansing police shot a man with a nonlethal beanbag gun when he refused to comply with police after breaking the window of Bell's Pizza at 225 M.A.C. Ave.
"When officers are shooting or assaulting someone with real or rubber bullets, I'm very concerned about it," said Nat Furrow, an organizer of Monday's forum.
"There's been quite a few incidents where the legality of what officers have done, all over the state, has been questioned."
Steve Eder can be reached at ederstev@msu.edu.
