Executive Summary
- Ypsilanti City Council voted to delay a review of a 30-hour police standoff until March due to legal concerns.
- City Attorney Randy Barker warned that an immediate investigation could compromise the suspect’s constitutional rights.
- The standoff involved significant use of force, including tear gas and demolition, drawing community criticism.
- Washtenaw County Sheriff Alyshia Dyer committed to transparency once the criminal investigation allows.
The Ypsilanti City Council unanimously voted on Tuesday to delay an independent review of a 30-hour police standoff that resulted in significant property damage earlier this year, citing advice from legal counsel regarding active criminal proceedings.
According to city records, the council agreed to postpone any investigation by the Ypsilanti Police Advisory Commission until at least March. The inquiry focuses on the law enforcement response at a residence on West Cross Street involving a barricaded subject armed with a sword between January 5 and January 6. While the standoff ended with the 53-year-old suspect surrendering without physical injury, the tactics employed—including the use of tear gas, flashbangs, and demolition equipment—have drawn scrutiny from community members and local leaders.
City Attorney Randy Barker advised the council that launching a public investigation immediately could interfere with the ongoing criminal case and expose the municipality to liability. Barker noted that the criminal justice process could take six months to a year, arguing that a premature review might compromise the constitutional rights of the accused to a fair trial within Washtenaw County.
Ward 2 City Council member Patrick McLean acknowledged the legal constraints but emphasized the need for eventual transparency to understand the escalation of force. Residents displaced by the incident described the police operation as a “siege,” prompting calls from local lawmakers to review de-escalation protocols and the chain of command involving the Washtenaw Metro SWAT team. Washtenaw County Sheriff Alyshia Dyer has requested patience, stating that her office is working to compile accurate information consistent with maintaining the integrity of the investigation.
Procedural and Legal Implications
The delay highlights the administrative challenge of balancing immediate public accountability with the strict due process requirements of the criminal justice system. While municipal leaders and residents seek to evaluate the tactical necessity of the structural demolition and deployment of chemical agents, the integrity of the prosecution currently takes legal precedence. City Manager Andrew Hellenga has recommended the eventual retention of a third-party investigative firm to audit the command flowchart and SWAT policies once the legal landscape permits. It is important to note that all individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
