GENESEE COUNTY, Mich. – The Genesee County Sheriff, Chris Swanson, revealed further details surrounding a tragic officer-involved shooting incident that occurred in Clio. The incident took place on Thursday, March 26, stemming from a domestic violence situation on N. Mills Road in Clio, where 28-year-old Eric Adam Bennett unleashed gunfire. The situation escalated rapidly, resulting in the deaths of two individuals – 31-year-old Ron Tatro and 51-year-old Kasey Gipe.
According to Sheriff Swanson, the harrowing events unfolded as one victim, Ron Tatro, was speaking with his mother over the phone when he was fatally shot by Bennett. Shortly after, another victim, Kasey Gipe, arrived at the scene and was also fatally shot by the suspect. The sheriff’s office shared a distressing 911 call from a resident, recounting the chaos and fear that gripped the neighborhood during the tragic incident.
As the situation unfolded, officers were faced with a critical decision when Bennett, armed and unrelenting, posed a direct threat to their lives and those in the vicinity. Despite repeated attempts to de-escalate the situation, Bennett made the fatal choice to aim his weapon at law enforcement, leading to a swift but necessary use of force by the officers.
The sheriff emphasized that in the face of an active shooter determined to cause harm, law enforcement officers must prioritize public safety and take decisive action to neutralize the threat. The officers involved exhibited bravery and professionalism in a volatile and high-stakes environment, ultimately bringing the deadly situation to an end within minutes.
Following the incident, Sheriff Swanson and Clio Police Chief Wendel Millstead confirmed that the officers involved are on administrative leave as per standard procedure. The tragic events serve as a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face in protecting their communities, with Swanson underscoring the need for continued support and resources for those who confront such traumatic situations in the line of duty.