Alpena PD Releases Bodycam footage of Officer-involved shooting in Alpena Township

Today, the Alpena Police Department (APD) released body-worn camera footage from officers involved in the officer-involved shooting that took place on December 22, 2025. The footage has been redacted as appropriate under the law. First, as Chief of Police, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family of Jackson Jacobs. This was a tragic incident that has impacted Mr. Jacobs' family, members of law enforcement, and the community. This video is being released as requested under the Freedom of Information Act. The Alpena Police Department is committed to transparency and accountability and believes the public has a right to view the video. On December 21, 2025, officers took a report of a stolen vehicle from the City of Alpena. A full description of the vehicle was obtained. The complainant reported that the vehicle was believed to be driven by Violet Crane. It was confirmed through the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) that Violet had a valid felony warrant for Unlawfully Driving Away of an Automobile (UDAA). An APD officer located this vehicle on December 22, 2025, at approximately 0029 hours on Grant St. A traffic stop was initiated, and the vehicle came to a stop in the parking lot of the Birchwood Meadows parking lot. Two APD officers were assisted on scene by two Michigan State Police (MSP) troopers. Shortly after the traffic stop, Jackson Jacobs exited the passenger side of the vehicle. MSP troopers began speaking with Jacobs away from the suspect vehicle. APD officers located Violet Crane in the backseat of the vehicle. Crane voluntarily stepped out of the vehicle, and she was placed under arrest for the UDAA warrant. After a glass pipe was located on Jacobs’ person, a physical altercation ensued between him and the MSP troopers. APD officers disengaged from Crane to assist the troopers. During the altercation, Jacobs produced a knife, which he used to cut/stab an APD officer and an MSP trooper's shoulder. As all ground tactics were unsuccessful, an APD officer deployed his Taser while Jacobs was still engaged with the MSP troopers. The Taser was unsuccessful. One of the MSP troopers disengaged and deployed his Taser, which was also unsuccessful. Jacobs still had the knife in his possession and continued to refuse commands to drop the knife. At this time, in defense of himself and other officers, an APD officer fired his department-issued pistol at Jacobs three times. Aid was rendered to Jacobs on scene. Jacobs ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Both MSP troopers and one APD officer were treated at the hospital. The APD officer was transported to a hospital downstate for surgery and released the following day. Both MSP troopers were treated and released. The incident was investigated by the MSP Seventh District Special Investigative Section (SIS). The investigation was turned over to the Alpena County Prosecutor's Office. On March 20, 2026, Alpena County Prosecutor Cynthia Muszynski, concluded the APD officer was justified in using deadly force when he discharged his firearm, and criminal charges will not be issued against the officer. The injured APD officer was recently medically cleared and has returned to full duty. I would like to thank the involved officers, troopers, and the MSP Seventh District SIS personnel for their professionalism in handling this investigation.