Daniel Ireland
By ZEINAB NAJM
Sunday Times Newspapers
RIVERVIEW — Daniel Ireland, 31, of Riverview faces 28 charges after he allegedly opened fire on two Riverview police officers March 27.
Wayne County Prosector Kym Worthy charged Ireland with two counts of assault with intent to murder, two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm, one count of discharge of a firearm at an occupied building, two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm, one count of felon in possession of a rifle, two counts of felon in possession of a pistol, and one count of felon in possession of ammunition.
Ireland, also was charged with two counts of felonious assault, one count of use of body armor during a violent felony, one count malicious destruction of police property, one count of resisting and obstructing the police, and 14 counts of felony firearm.
He was arraigned March 30 in front of 27th District Court Judge Elizabeth DiSanto and received a $1 million cash bond. A probable cause conference is scheduled for 9 a.m. April 9 in 28th District Court in Southgate before Judge Elisabeth Mullins.
Police responded to a house in the 14800 block of Shenandoah Drive about 3 p.m. to do a welfare check on Ireland.
The caller who requested the welfare check advised police that Ireland had sent text messages that caused concern for his well-being, according to a Riverview police press release.
Once at the scene, police noticed Ireland wasn’t at the residence. As officers were leaving the area they saw Ireland driving in his vehicle back toward his house.
He then parked his vehicle, and entered his house before emerging a few moments later wearing a tactical vest and armed with a semi-automatic long gun.
Ireland fired several shots at the officers, striking the police vehicle and other nearby vehicles. Then, he re-entered his home.
An off-duty police officer from another Downriver department who resided nearby and was familiar with Ireland was able to establish phone communication, the press release said.
Ireland eventually surrendered without incident and was taken into custody. He is currently being lodged at the Riverview Police Department and was not injured following the incident.
No shots were fired by police. The officers sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene by Riverview Fire Department personnel.
Currently, the investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by the Riverview Detective Bureau. More information will be available as the investigation continues.
“We are grateful that our officers did not sustain serious injuries or worse as a result of this man’s actions,” Police Chief Ronald Beggs said. “Let’s be clear, he attempted to murder two police officers. I am incredibly proud of our officers. They reacted quickly, heroically, and in a manner that considered the safety of nearby neighbors.
“The off-duty officer who quickly established communications, no doubt, prevented this situation from becoming an even greater tragedy. I’d also like to express my appreciation to all the agencies, including Downriver SWAT, that responded to assist.”
(Zeinab Najm can be reached at [email protected])