ALPENA COUNTY, MI. The Alpena County prosecutor has reviewed the investigation conducted by the
Michigan State Police. The suspect was identified as 33-year-old Edward Fitzgerald of Alpena. Below are
the findings given by prosecuting attorney:
“Michigan law gives a person the right to use force or even take a life to defend himself or another person under certain circumstances. If a person uses force within our state’s definition of self-defense, their actions are justified under the law, and they are not guilty of a crime.
Based upon a thorough review of the facts and applicable law, it is clear that the actions of Presque Isle
County deputies, in the shooting of Edward Fitzgerald, were not criminal in nature but done in self-
defense. The actions of Mr. Fitzgerald on November 27, 2025, presented an immediate danger of death
or great bodily harm to deputies. Both deputies were justified in shooting at Mr. Fitzgerald under the
doctrine of self-defense or defense of others.
It is important to note that once the threat of death or great bodily harm was alleviated, and Mr. Fitzgerald was no longer pointing his loaded weapon at the deputies, both deputies, along with another deputy, immediately began rendering life-saving first aid to Mr. Fitzgerald. But for the swift rendering of aid, Mr. Fitzgerald may have succumbed to his injuries that day.”
Fitzgerald was arraigned on December 26 in the 88 th District Court in Alpena County on the following
charges:
One Count: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Felonious Assault)
Four Counts: Weapons – Felony Firearm
One Count: Weapons – Dangerous Weapon – Carrying with Unlawful Intent
One Count: Police Officer – Fleeing- Third Degree – Penal Code
One Count: Police Officer – Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing
Fitzgerald was given a $250,000 cash or surety bond and his next court appearance is scheduled for
December 30.
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