Death by Cop 2021-2025
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Michael Ruzycky
Age : 44
Gender : Male
Race : White
Date : 08/07/2023
Location : 1000 block of Park Ave
City : Poplar Bluff
County : Butler
State : Missouri
Agency : Poplar Bluff Police Department
Officer(s) :Unknown
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during mental health wellness check
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On 08/07/2023, at approximately 8:28 p.m., a Poplar Bluff Police Department officer responded to the 1000 block of Park Avenue for a welfare check on a man reported to be lying underneath a vehicle. The officer determined the vehicle had been reported stolen earlier that day. When the officer approached, 44-year-old Michael Ruzycky got into the vehicle, locked the doors, and refused to comply with commands. EMS personnel responded, but Ruzycky refused medical treatment.
A second officer arrived, and Ruzycky remained barricaded inside the vehicle. Officers attempted to take him into custody by removing the front windows. According to police, Ruzycky suddenly accelerated in reverse, nearly striking one of the officers. An officer fired his service weapon, striking Ruzycky. He died at the scene.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated the shooting at the request of the Poplar Bluff Police Department. Both officers involved were placed on administrative leave pending the investigation. An autopsy was conducted by the Butler County Coroner's Office.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.kfvs12.com/2023/08/08/deadly-officer-involved-shooting-reported-poplar-bluff/
