Genesee County, Michigan – Following a deadly officer-involved shooting in Clio on Thursday, March 26, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson provided additional details on the tragic event. The incident unfolded when Clio police officers responded to a call reporting shots fired in a domestic violence situation on N. Mills Road at approximately 7:37 p.m. that evening.
Sheriff Swanson disclosed that the altercation between two domestic partners escalated when the suspect, 28-year-old Eric Adam Bennett, opened fire with a shotgun. Tragically, 31-year-old Ron Tatro, one of the victims, was on a call with his mother when Bennett fatally shot him multiple times. Another victim, 51-year-old Kasey Gipe, arrived at the scene and was also shot and killed by Bennett.
As the situation unfolded, a resident at the scene placed a frantic 911 call to report the ongoing violence, with individuals in the area seeking refuge in their homes. The call captured the chaos and fear that gripped the community during the tragic event.
Sheriff Swanson emphasized that officers are trained to use deadly force as a last resort in such life-threatening situations. He pointed out that Bennett had already demonstrated a clear intent to take human lives, making him an active shooter in the eyes of law enforcement.
Concerned for public safety, authorities quickly secured the area, shutting down roads to prevent any additional bystanders from being caught in the crossfire. Body camera footage revealed officers repeatedly urging Bennett to drop his weapon, exhibiting a reluctance to resort to lethal force. Despite these efforts, Bennett raised his gun and fired at the officers, prompting a swift reaction from law enforcement.
Within just 60 seconds of Bennett’s aggressive actions, officers on the scene – who also have training as paramedics – initiated life-saving measures in an attempt to save his life. Sheriff Swanson revealed that despite the gravity of the situation, the incident concluded within 15 minutes, highlighting the swift and decisive response from law enforcement.
The tragic event was characterized by Swanson as a domestic situation turned lethal, underscoring the often unpredictable and volatile nature of such disputes. While the incident has undoubtedly left a mark on the Clio community, law enforcement officials are confident that Bennett acted alone, alleviating concerns about any additional suspects being involved in the shooting.
Both Swanson and Clio Police Chief Wendel Millstead confirmed that officers implicated in the shooting have been placed on paid leave in adherence to departmental protocol. Acknowledging the emotional toll such events have on officers, Swanson emphasized that the use of deadly force is never the desired outcome in any situation.