Allen Park, Michigan – On January 4, 2026, Steven Strickland of Lincoln Park was shot by police after a mental health crisis escalated into an aggressive encounter with law enforcement. According to local reports, Strickland reportedly threatened self-harm using a box cutter before officers arrived at the scene on Southfield Road near Roger Avenue.
When confronted by authorities, Strickland allegedly refused their commands and approached them while still holding the weapon. Police first attempted to subdue him with non-lethal measures such as a Taser and less lethal rounds but were unsuccessful in stopping his advance towards them. One officer then fired shots at Strickland who was subsequently hit in the arm.
Strickland, 39 years old, had been scheduled for trial on June 22, 2026; however, he recently pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon during an arraignment hearing before his court date. The charge of assaulting a police officer has since been dismissed as part of the plea deal.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding how law enforcement responds in situations involving individuals experiencing mental health crises. Strickland is set to be sentenced on July 15, 2026, marking an end to this legal chapter while broader discussions about crisis intervention training for police continue across Michigan and beyond.