Westland Man Allegedly Brings Knife to Livonia Police Department, Stabs Officer
Friends say he had been struggling with mental illness and had allegedly pulled a shotgun on an Amazon driver earlier that morning
Livonia – Underlining the need for modern facilities, Livonia Police came under assault today by an adult male who allegedly entered the department building at approximately 9 a.m. wielding a knife. He engaged several officers on duty, allegedly stabbing one officer before being subdued.
Michigan Enjoyer has identified the attacker as 63-year-old James Patrick McLean of Westland. According to multiple sources, McClean was also allegedly involved in an altercation with an Amazon delivery driver on his property during the early morning hours and pulled a shotgun during the exchange.
Within moments of that event, McLean departed his residence driving his silver Ford F-150 and drove to the Livonia Police Department, parking near the main entrance. It remains unknown at this time his reason for traveling to a neighboring city’s police department.
McLean entered and became aggressive with police attempting to deescalate him. A physical altercation ensued. McLean was tased but continued his struggle until several officers wrestled him to the ground. According to sources, a firearm was discharged during the fight, but no gunshot wounds were reported.
The motive behind McLean’s actions is unclear. Friends and neighbors of McLean reported recent changes in his behavior they believed revealed a possible struggle with mental illness.
“He was a very kind and caring individual, but something was going on with him in recent months” stated a close friend. “He was becoming more disagreeable, and was prone to saying things that caused concern.”
McLean is unmarried with no children, but apparently kept a large social circle of friends. He worked as a carpenter and attended Four Winds Church in Livonia regularly.
Enjoyer spoke with a close friend of McLean’s who is currently dog sitting at his home in Westland. “I got a call something happened and I was needed here,” he said “He was my best friend and a great guy. I don’t think he’s going to be coming back home.”
Enjoyer is withholding the name of the injured officer, but sources say they believe he will make a full recovery. McLean is in custody and being held at a local hospital. His current medical status is unknown at this time, but sources say he is unharmed.
Enjoyer spoke with city officials in Westland, but details on the alleged confrontation of the delivery driver were not shared. It’s unknown at this time if any additional investigations are forthcoming. An official statement by Westland PD only stated an incident occurred on the 8200 block of Sanford where a man pointed a firearm at another man. McLean resides on that block.
One of McLean’s close friends spoke to Enjoyer under the condition of anonymity stating, “I know he’s in trouble. I feel terrible for the police officers, and I’m glad everyone is alive. I wish I could give James some help.”
Deep political tension currently exists around the Livonia Police department and proposals for a new building and the upcoming august vote on renewing the operating mileage for First Responders in the city. Beloved and appreciated by a vast majority of residents, but aware of forces and activists in the city attempting to handcuff their agencies, the men on duty continue their dangerous work.
