COLDWATER, Mich. – The Michigan State Police are investigating an officer involved shooting.

The Michigan State Police Emergency Support Team was contacted at 8 PM Monday by the Coldwater Police to help serve a multi-count felony arrest warrant at a residence on Lucky Drive in Coldwater. The wanted subject was identified as 32 year old Richard Wilkinson, a resident of the house.

When they arrived at the dwelling, Wilkinson confronted officers, armed with an AR style rifle. In response, a single member of the ES Team fired at Wilkinson, striking him, resulting in fatal injuries.

Per Michigan State Police policies and procedures, the trooper involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave, pending the results of this investigation.

This matter is being investigated by the MSP First District Investigative Response Team detectives. The scene is being processed by the MSP Lansing Lab and an autopsy will be performed at Corewell Health.

Branch County Prosecutor Zach Stempien was briefed on the situation and visited the scene of the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and once it’s finished, the findings will be submitted to Stempien’s office for review.