John Patrick “Wolf” Sutherland

How they died

Deadly force

Deputies and state Dept. of Agriculture officer J.R. Nelson went to John Patrick Sutherland's home at about 9:30 a.m. with a search warrant to see if Sutherland's dogs were wolf hybrids (under Michigan law, a permit and microchip ID is required). According to police, Sutherland had a handgun and was upset over prior troubles involving police and his dogs. Around 30 more officers responded, and Sutherland talked to them from a distance during the standoff. At around 3 p.m., Sheriff Dale Kowalkowski reportedly told deputy Christopher Kempf to tell SWAT team members that the using a beanbag gun was authorized, but that Sutherland was to be taken alive. A negotiator arrived and a phone was provided to Sutherland. Traverse City officer Andrew Grubb shot Sutherland with a beanbag as he began talking with the negotiator. Sutherland yelled, "What the hell did you do that for?" Grubb fired more beanbags. Several SWAT officers ran toward Sutherland, telling him to drop his gun. Sutherland reportedly yelled, "Fuck off! You're going to have to kill me!" Grubb shot Sutherland with another beanbag. Sutherland allegedly shot Grubb in the hip. Deputies opened fire, killing Sutherland. Police said Sutherland's gun was damaged and had to be rebuilt before ballistics testing could be performed. The bullet that hit Grubb went clean through and couldn't be recovered, police said.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that John Patrick “Wolf” Sutherland, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources