Man shot by police arraigned for attempted murder
SAULT STE. MARIE — The man who was shot by a Michigan State Police trooper last month after he had allegedly crashed his vehicle into a police car, injuring an officer, was arraigned from his hospital bed in Marquette Friday on multiple felony charges including attempted murder.
Joshua Kenneth Stead, 35, of downstate Bellaire was arrested Thursday and charged with three counts of homicide, attempted murder; one count of police officer assaulting/resisting/obstructing causing injury; one count of malicious destruction of police property; one count fleeing and eluding a police officer, second degree; and a habitual offender fourth offense notice.
According to a release from the MSP post in Sault Ste. Marie, Stead was arraigned on the charges Friday via video from his hospital room at UP Health System-Marquette, where he is recovering from injuries sustained during the incident.
The presiding judge at the 91st District Court in Sault Ste. Marie led the video conference.
The incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. Nov. 21 when two MSP troopers were responding to a domestic disturbance at a residence in Hulbert.
Police say Stead fled the scene and rammed his vehicle into the troopers’ patrol car when they attempted to stop him, disabling both vehicles and injuring one of the officers.
When the suspect exited his vehicle, he allegedly continued an attempt to harm the officers and was shot by a trooper, according to the press release.
Stead, who was initially identified as 37-years-old by police, was airlifted to UP Health System-Marquette for treatment of his injuries.
He is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 15 for a preliminary exam.
Police say both troopers have been administratively cleared to return to work by the MSP, although an investigation into their use of force is still currently under review by the Chippewa County Prosecuting Attorney.
Kelsie Thompson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206. Her email address is kthompson@miningjournal.net.