LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – An off-duty DeWitt police officer that followed a Black teenager that was delivering newspapers now faces felony charges from Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office.
Vorce is charged with the following in Clinton County’s 65A District Court:
- assault with a dangerous weapon (felonious assault), a felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison and/or $2,000;
- weapons – felony firearm, a felony punishable by two years consecutively with and preceding any term of imprisonment imposed for the felony or attempted felony conviction; and
- misconduct in office, a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or $10,000.
“Our assessment of this incident showed dangerous behavior exhibited by Mr. Vorce,” Nessel said in a press release. “Those who swear to protect and serve must do so responsibly. We will not hesitate to hold accountable those who violate that oath.”
Vorce was arraigned Thursday afternoon.
On January 14, 2021, officer Chad Vorce twice drew his firearm while off duty and outside of his jurisdiction.
Vorce was caught on recorded saying “I thought it was him because he fits the same description, black hoodie… Fricken black guy.”
On a recording of an MSP trooper, you can hear him repeat what Vorce said.
”He told the kid right to his face, when I see a Black guy, you know I think you’re doing stuff like this,” said the trooper.
Vorce then threatened to shoot the teen after the teen put his car in reverse.
“He just tried to ram me!” Vorce said. “He’s trying to ram me! I’m going to go shots fired if he does it again!” Vorce said on the 9-1-1 call.
A witness statement says that Vorce threatened to shoot the teen, who was identified as Alexander Hamilton.
Update: This article has been updated with the specific charges levied against Vorce.
