Prosecutor says fatal Wayne police shooting of John Zook Jr. was justified, declines charges

WAYNE, Mich. (FOX 2) - No charges will be filed against the Wayne police officers who shot and killed John Zook Jr. earlier this year, the Wayne County Prosecutor announced Wednesday.

Police said Zook, 40, called 911 on himself and informed the operator that he was in the midst of a mental health crisis and was off his medications on June 18. When officers arrived, they found Zook in distress and armed with a kitchen knife.

Zook's 4-year-old son was inside the home when the incident took place at Newberry Square Apartments on Newberry Street and Michigan Avenue. Police also said that Zook had cut himself several times in a suicide attempt. The prosecutor's office said he had more than 50 stab wounds.

According to the prosecutor's office, the officers commanded Zook to drop the weapon for 15 seconds before telling him that he would be Tased.

One of the officers attempted to Tase Zook, but it did not take effect. That's when another officer, who was holding his police firearm in one hand, pulled out his Taser. The prosecutor's office said Zook approached the officers with the knife as the one armed with the Taser and gun fired both at the same time.

Zook was still holding the knife, leading to the officers shooting him four times, the prosecutor said. After the shooting, the officers rendered aid to Zook and removed his child, who had slept through the shooting, from the apartment.

After the shooting, Zook's family argued that they didn't think that he charged at police. They also demanded that body cam footage of the interaction be released. The video has never been publicly shared.

The prosecutor's office provided justification for the decision not to charge the officers, releasing a statement that read in part:

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If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255. Or text to 741-741

for the warning signs and risk factors of suicide. Call 1-800-273-TALK for free and confidential emotional support.