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Man killed by St. Clair Shores police fired once before gun jammed

Officials don't know for certain who shot K-9

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. – The Macomb County sheriff has cleared St. Clair Shores police in the shooting that killed a man and a police K-9.

Sheriff Anthony Wickersham also released security camera video and 911 calls that he said proves police were justified in using deadly force. The shooting happened outside the Lakeland Manor Banquet Hall on Nov. 4.

READ: St. Clair Shores police cleared in deadly shooting of man outside banquet hall

A frantic call to 911 from employees inside Lakeland Manor alleged that a man with a gun was storming around inside and outside of the banquet hall.

"Oh my God, he's outside throwing a fit with a gun, ma'am," a 911 caller said.

Video from outside the Lakeland Manor Banquet Hall shows Theoddeus Gray in a white shirt clearly armed and agitated. He was outside the hall, where a baby shower for him and his girlfriend was being held.

"We want justice for both of them," Gray's mother said.

Investigators said Gray ran from St. Clair Shores police as they arrived. He turned to fire upon the officers and a police K-9. The video shows the dog retreating. Gray's gun jammed after that shot, police said.

Police are heard on video telling Gray to drop his gun. Officers fired more than 47 shots. Gray was struck six times, killing him.

The K-9 was shot and was also killed. Ballistic tests are not complete, so investigators cannot say if Gray shot the K-9 or if police shot him.

"Who killed Axe? It wasn't Theo Gray," said Oliver Grant, the Gray family spokesperson.

The sheriff did not rule out friendly fire. "Whatever the results of the ballistic test are, it's not going to change our findings, at all," said Wickersham.

The gun found with Gray was stolen out of Columbus, Ohio, according to police.

St. Clair Shores police Chief Todd Woodcox said the officers involved in the shooting are expected to return to duty soon.

The Macomb County Sheriff said this is the weapon used by a man who was fatally shot by St. Clair Shroes police officers on Nov. 4, 2018. It is a FN Five-seven pistol. (WDIV)

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Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.

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