The Kent County forensic van is shown at the scene of the shooting Thursday, March 26.
A Cannon Township resident with a long history of traffic accidents fled a sheriff’s deputy and was eventually shot after appearing to try to run over the deputy.
Deputy Joe Glynn attempted to pull over Christopher Imelmann, age 46, on Belding Road about 10:20 a.m. on Thursday, March 26.
Imelmann, who is a paraplegic from injuries in an accident 20 years ago, failed to stop and reached speeds of 85 miles an hour. Imelmann tried to pull into the driveway of his home on Belding Road just west of Blakely Drive, but missed, spinning out.
Christoper Imelmann’s residence.
When Deputy Glynn got out of his vehicle to approach, Imelmann’s vehicle accelerated. Glynn shot into the car, injuring Imelmann as well as a passenger, Steven Powell, age 28 and resident of Orleans in Ionia County.
Imelmann and Powell were both treated for injuries, Powell was shot in the hand, Imelmann in his torso.
One of two, posted on Imelmann’s property and porch.
Imelmann had a suspended license due to a poor driving record, had three warrants for his arrest, including a misdemeanor for littering, one felony for larceny from a building and one for illegal use of a financial transaction device.
Investigators are awaiting results of toxicology tests, which may indicate Imelmann was driving while using drugs. He faces two counts of felonious assault, one count of fourth degree fleeing and eluding.
Christopher Imelmann
Powell had pre-existing outstanding misdemeanor warrant related to a domestic violence charge. He was not charged in this incident.
Deputy Glynn and a second deputy who had arrived on the scene prior to the shooting, are on paid administrative leave during an investigation of the incident.
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