WYOMING, Mich. — A police-involved shooting early Tuesday morning left one man dead after officers responded to reports of a protective order violation and possible gunfire inside a home. Authorities have identified the victim as 31-year-old Luis Hernan Fernandez Sandoval of Holland. The Kent County Sheriff’s Office confirmed his identity Wednesday as the investigation into the deadly encounter continues.
The incident began around 1 a.m. when officers were dispatched to a residence on Lemyra Street SE, near Jefferson Avenue. According to officials, Sandoval was reported to be violating a protective order, and additional information relayed to police suggested that he may have discharged a firearm inside the home. Upon arrival, officers encountered Sandoval armed with a handgun. Authorities said two officers fired their weapons during the confrontation, striking Sandoval, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Neighbors described the chaotic scene that unfolded in the normally quiet neighborhood. Nancy Covell, who lives nearby, recalled hearing gunfire followed by shouting as officers swarmed the house. “I watched the police stand on the porch, about 10 or 12 of them, trying to get in, yelling. Then they all finally went in at once. They carried out four children and a lady as well,” she said. Officials later confirmed that no one else inside the residence was physically harmed.
The Kent County Sheriff’s Office has assumed responsibility for the investigation to ensure oversight and transparency. The two Wyoming police officers who fired their weapons have been placed on paid administrative leave, a standard procedure in officer-involved shootings. Investigators noted that the process of gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing events will take time. Once complete, the findings will be turned over to the prosecutor’s office, which will determine if the use of deadly force was legally justified.
Authorities have not yet disclosed details regarding the protective order or the circumstances that may have led Sandoval to fire his weapon inside the residence. However, law enforcement emphasized that ensuring the safety of those inside, particularly the four children, was their primary concern during the tense confrontation. The quick evacuation of the family highlighted the risks officers faced at the scene.
The deadly shooting has left the neighborhood shaken, with residents struggling to come to terms with the violence that erupted in the early morning hours. As the community awaits further updates, officials are urging patience while investigators work toward a full account of what transpired. For now, Sandoval’s death remains under review, leaving many questions unanswered in the wake of the tragedy.