Bodycam Video Shows Suspect Fire at Michigan Deputy Before Being Shot

In the late afternoon of June 30, 2025, Deputy Cal Landon of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office was conducting a routine patrol when he encountered a vehicle parked on private property. The area, known for its limited access and proximity to a wooded park, had reportedly been the subject of prior trespassing concerns. The vehicle appeared suspicious, prompting Deputy Landon to initiate contact with the occupants to determine their reason for being there.>Deputy Landon approached the vehicle and requested identification from the male occupant, later identified as 48-year-old Joshua Coffey, a resident of South Bend, Indiana. An unidentified woman was also present in the vehicle at the time. As the deputy began speaking with them, Coffey abruptly exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot. Deputy Landon pursued him into the adjacent park area, a wooded space with narrow trails and limited visibility.

The chase, which lasted several minutes, was captured on Deputy Landon’s body-worn camera. Footage shows Coffey eventually slowing down and turning around, appearing to surrender. However, in a sudden and violent turn of events, Coffey drew a concealed handgun and fired two rounds at the pursuing deputy. At that moment, Deputy Landon had only his Taser drawn, anticipating a non-violent resolution. Realizing the threat, he quickly transitioned to his service firearm and returned fire.

Deputy Landon’s responsive gunfire fatally struck Coffey. The suspect collapsed to the ground with the firearm still in hand. Within moments, Deputy Sabrina LaRatta, the first backup officer to arrive at the scene, located Landon and the downed suspect. Upon arrival, Deputy LaRatta observed Coffey lying on the ground, deceased, still clutching the weapon in his hand. Notably, his finger remained on the trigger at the time he was found, underscoring the immediacy and seriousness of the threat posed to Deputy Landon.

Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, but Coffey was pronounced dead upon their arrival. No other civilians or law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

The woman who had been with Coffey at the start of the encounter had initially fled the scene during the chaos. Authorities were able to identify and locate her shortly after the incident. However, law enforcement has released limited information regarding her identity or role in the situation due to the ongoing nature of the investigation. Whether she had any knowledge of Coffey’s actions or intentions remains under review.The weapon used by Coffey was recovered at the scene and has been turned over to the Michigan State Police, who are leading the investigation into the shooting. A full forensic analysis of the firearm and other evidence collected at the scene is underway.

In accordance with departmental policy, Deputy Cal Landon has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. This is standard protocol following any officer-involved shooting to ensure transparency and to allow for a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the use of deadly force.

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office has expressed support for the involved deputies while affirming their commitment to cooperating fully with the independent investigation. Officials have also stated that they will release further information as it becomes available and as the investigation progresses. data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="" data-start="3678">This tragic and dangerous encounter is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of law enforcement work and the split-second decisions that can mean the difference between life and death.