U.S. Attorney Charges Man For Stealing Police Firearm And Firing At Lansing Police Officer During Arrest

          GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Andrial Ched Ortiz, 29, of Lansing, was charged by indictment with being a felon in possession of firearms. In the course of his arrest on April 10, 2024, Ortiz repeatedly tried to steal police weapons from Lansing Police Department officers.  During his struggle, Ortiz possessed a Glock 43X, which he fired, injuring an LPD police officer working to arrest him.

          “Today’s charge reflects our continued efforts to keep the streets safe from the danger presented by those who cannot lawfully possess firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “I’m thankful that the officers on scene were able to minimize the damage caused and that everyone is safe.”

          The indictment alleges that Ortiz possessed two firearms on April 10, 2024, when he could not lawfully do so following a previous felony conviction.  His initial appearance in the Western District of Michigan is set for Monday, May 20, 2024. 

          Gun violence is an acute problem across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. firearm homicide rate in 2021 was the highest documented since 1993. While the numbers have slightly declined since 2021, they remain high. Resources and information on the safe storage of firearms can be found by reviewing the U.S. Department of Justice Safe Storage of Firearms guide, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention fact sheet, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives pamphlet. Anyone who possesses a gun must follow all local, state, and federal laws.

          This case was investigated by the Lansing Police Department, Michigan State Police, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.

          The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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