Police Shoot Armed Suspect After Frantic 911 Call in Wyoming Home

A domestic disturbance in Wyoming, Michigan, escalated into a fatal confrontation when police officers responded to a frantic 911 call from a woman fearing for her life. The incident occurred at approximately 01:00 on September 16, 2023, when the woman reported that a man armed with a pistol had entered her home and began shooting.

According to Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker, the woman dialed 911, pleading for help as she described the scene unfolding inside her residence on Lemyra Street SE. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Luis Hernan Fernandez Sandoval, was reportedly looking for his wife, who is the caller’s niece. The dispatcher instructed her to keep the door locked while assessing the situation.

In the recorded conversation, the woman expressed her fears, stating, “I think my niece told me that he had (bought) one a few months back,” when asked about Sandoval’s potential access to a weapon. Shortly after, gunfire erupted within the home. The woman’s urgent pleas continued, saying, “He’s shooting, he’s shooting… Please hurry up.”

Responding officers from the Wyoming Police Department arrived at the scene within minutes. Upon entering the residence, they encountered Sandoval, who was still armed. In the ensuing confrontation, police shot Sandoval, hitting him twice. However, Becker confirmed that Sandoval ultimately died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

On October 14, 2023, Prosecutor Becker announced that the two officers involved would not face criminal charges, stating their response was justified given the circumstances. He commended their actions, noting, “Quite frankly, I think (the officers) should be commended for how they handled this situation.”

The incident highlights the critical nature of police responses to potentially life-threatening situations, as well as the personal impact such events have on families and communities. The emotional audio clip released by Becker captures the urgency and tension of the moment, further emphasizing the serious consequences of domestic violence.

As investigations into the broader implications of this incident continue, the community reflects on the importance of addressing domestic disturbances swiftly and effectively to ensure the safety of those involved.