John Lee Thompson

Less-than-lethal force

Police responded to the Sterling Crest Apartments on a report that John Lee Thompson had become belligerent during a card game. Witnesses reportedly said that Thompson threw a potted plant at officers. A prolonged scuffle ensued that eventually involved 10 officers from multiple jurisdictions. Police tasered and pepper sprayed Thompson multiple times during his arrest and again in the sallyport of the Saginaw County jail. Thompson died two days later. Saginaw County Medical Examiner Dr. Kanu Virani decided that Thompson died of natural causes and suffered from heart disease.