Justice Served: Lansing Officer's Shooter Receives Federal Prison Sentence

You know, some stories just stick with you, and the harrowing incident involving Lansing Police Officer Austin Street back in December 2020 is definitely one of them. It was a moment of absolute chaos and peril for law enforcement, and for the community, a stark reminder of the dangers officers face daily. Well, justice has finally been served in a significant way: Michael Dejuan Williams, the man responsible for shooting Officer Street during that fraught arrest attempt, has been handed a substantial 15-year federal prison sentence.

The sentencing, which took place just recently on February 20, 2026, really closes a painful chapter for everyone involved. U.S. District Judge Jane M. Beckering oversaw the proceedings, delivering a verdict that includes not just the decade and a half behind bars, but also five years of supervised release once Williams is out. It’s a pretty weighty outcome, reflecting the seriousness of the charges against him: possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and, perhaps even more gravely, assaulting a federal officer.

Let's cast our minds back to that tense day, December 11, 2020. Lansing police officers were attempting to take Williams into custody. Details from the U.S. Attorney’s Office describe a frantic struggle where Williams, clearly resisting, managed to get his hands on a .40-caliber Glock handgun – which, by the way, turned out to be stolen. During this desperate scuffle, Officer Street was tragically shot in the arm. It’s one of those moments that sends a shiver down your spine, thinking about how quickly a routine stop can escalate into a life-or-death situation.

Thankfully, and this is truly a blessing, Officer Street recovered from his injuries. It speaks volumes about his resilience and, frankly, the incredible medical response that must have followed. But the impact of such an event, you can imagine, runs deep for any officer and their loved ones. It’s a wound that heals, sure, but the scar remains.

The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Mark Totten, didn't mince words when discussing the case. He highlighted that Williams, already a felon with a history of serious offenses like assault with a dangerous weapon and armed robbery, was simply forbidden by law from possessing any firearm. Totten underscored the profound risk Williams posed to both law enforcement and the public, emphasizing that the federal justice system is committed to protecting officers and holding dangerous individuals accountable.

So, there it is. A powerful reminder that our justice system, while it takes its time, does strive to uphold the law and protect those who protect us. This sentence sends a clear message, hopefully, about the consequences of violence against officers and the illegal possession of firearms. It’s a tough situation all around, but seeing justice unfold, even years later, brings a certain sense of closure.