Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
Lester Chambers, a Harper Woods resident, is facing 27 charges after firing a “hand pump” shotgun at police officers and neighbors’ homes on Friday, November 16. The shooting incident occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m., resulting in several area schools being put on lockdown.
Harper Woods police responded after receiving reports of gun shots from a Lancaster Rd. residence. Reports claimed shots were being fired inside the residence and in the backyard. When police arrived on the scene, Chambers came outside unarmed but refused to be taken into custody. A standoff ensued, lasting for about 1 hour; during this time Chambers allegedly fired at police from inside the home. The shots struck two police vehicles.
Jim Burke, Harper Woods Police Chief, stated that he didn’t recall in his career ever seeing a single suspect face so many charges for a one incident. The standoff ended when Chambers eventually surrendered, after Burke and a female relative of Chambers coaxed him outside while talking to him on a cell phone. He surrendered his weapon and was taken into custody.
Chambers was placed in the Harper Woods Jail where he awaited arraignment on Monday before Harper Woods District Judge Roger J. LaRose. Chambers stated at his arraignment that he lived at the Lancaster residence with his wife and two young children. Following his arraignment, Chambers was taken to the Wayne County Jail and held without bond.
The charges against Chambers include 8 counts of assault with intent to murder, 8 counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, 8 counts of felonious assault, 1 count of felony firearm, 1 count discharge firearm at an occupied building, and 1 count of malicious destruction of police property. News reports state that Chambers faces a possible life sentence.
Michigan criminal defense attorneys understand that the charges Chambers faces are extremely serious, and that he may very well spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Individuals who are charged with any criminal offense, no matter how minor or serious it may seem, must have a skilled and aggressive Michigan criminal defense lawyer to protect their legal rights and pursue justice.