Police: 'Armed and dangerous' shooting suspect turns himself in
Ricardo Palmer
Courtesy of Pittsfield police
Lester Palmer
Courtesy of Pittsfield Township
The 38-year-old Ypsilanti Township man accused of shooting an acquaintance in the legs earlier this month turned himself in Monday, according to police.
Ricardo Palmer was arraigned Tuesday on a charge of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, stated a release from Pittsfield Township police.
He was given a $25,000 cash bond, the release said.
Lester Palmer, his brother, was taken into custody June 3 when he was arrested by deputies from the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office at a Ypsilanti Township home without incident, said Pittsfield Township Public Safety Director Matt Harshberger.
Investigators believe the brothers are responsible for shooting a 45-year-old man in the legs June 2. A domestic incident preceded the shooting, which occurred in the 3500 block of Fieldcrest Lane of Pittsfield Township, according to police. The 45-year-old man had been arguing with his girlfriend.
“It started out as a domestic violence situation with the victim and a woman at the residence,” Harshberger previously told AnnArbor.com.
Three men — including the Palmer brothers — soon ended up at the residence. The man was shot once through the legs and the three suspects fled, according to police.
The victim and suspects were known to each other, but officials did not want to elaborate on their relationship.
Police still are trying to identify the third suspect.
The brothers were considered "armed and dangerous" while police searched for them, which included a wanted poster being issued.
Ricardo Palmer is being held at the Washtenaw County Jail and has a preliminary exam scheduled for June 25. Lester Palmer is not currently in custody, according to jail records. There was no arrest warrant for Lester Palmer in court records, either.
This story has been corrected to reflect that Lester Palmer was not free on any bond. John Counts covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at johncounts@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
John Counts
Mon, Jun 17, 2013 : 4:12 p.m.
Police have informed me that Lester Palmer was not charged with any crimes.
gYpsi eyes
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 10:02 a.m.
Lol wow...
gYpsi eyes
Fri, Jun 14, 2013 : 9:48 a.m.
Law enforcement will react like Rambo either way. There is no need to scare the hell out of the public in the process. Maybe popping somebody in the leg is a little much but, lets not forget some important words in this story like "domestic violence" and "sister"... I don't want to cross any legal boundaries or even the coc of this site so, let me just say it again... Imvho, this man is not dangerous. Unless of course, you are beating his sister.
A2centsworth
Sat, Jun 15, 2013 : 6:15 a.m.
gypsi eyes: If someone is walking around with an unregistered handgun, shoots someone, and then flees the scene, with the handgun, that is what one would call "armed and dangerous". To react in such a lackadaisical manner when faced with a situation like this, appears irrational. Whether domestic dispute or not, the man fled the scene of a crime, he committed, and was carrying a gun, why would anyone think he was not dangerous? I would rather be informed that there was someone in my area evading police, who was armed, if for no other reason than to be prepared and arm myself. It sounds like you know the guy, so I can see how you may think he is not dangerous, but considering his actions, it would be safe to assume if he shot one person, he would be capable of shooting another.
A2centsworth
Thu, Jun 13, 2013 : 1:44 p.m.
in regards to "armed and dangerous". Police consider anyone who uses a firearm in a crime as armed, (because he has a firearm) and dangerous, because he used the firearm on another person. Reasoning being if he used it once on someone he may use it again on someone else. Therefore the term :"armed and dangerous" is more for the police officers benefit so they know what they may be walking into when approaching the suspects.
John Counts
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 7:25 p.m.
I have corrected this story. Lester Palmer was taken into custody, but there was no arrest warrant for him listed in court records, which means he likely hasn't been charged with anything. Which also means he wouldn't have had to post any bond. I am trying to clear this up with Pittsfield Township police as we speak.
gYpsi eyes
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 5:37 p.m.
This man was never "dangerous"... It just a "tactic" and, it's unfortunate that it is used so often. Crying wolf and all...
John Counts
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 4:44 p.m.
According to jail records, Lester Palmer is not currently in custody in the jail. Pittsfield police told me that his brother, Ricardo, was the shooter, which may have impacted the magistrates decision when it came to bond. Police did not immediately release what Lester Palmer's bond was. I will check court records this afternoon and post an update with the amount later today.
Superior Twp voter
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 4:28 p.m.
Mr. Counts, Can you advise the bond amount that Lester Palmer was released on, please?
mady
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 1:52 p.m.
Hmmmm, I wonder what kind of Quid pro quo this guy is wanting after turning himself in?
Ypsituckyguy
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 12:32 p.m.
Not that I would ever condone these types of actions, but I believe when this goes to trial, we are going to find out that there is a LOT more to this story than the factless reports some commentors are all basing their opinions on. For example, a young lady was arrested a few days ago for beating a man with a bat who sexually abused her son. Not saying I agree with this act, I'm just saying that sometimes when someone does something egregious to a person you love( appears to be their sister in this case based on previous articles) bad things happen in the heat of the moment that may or may not be justified. I for one, will hold my judgement until more facts are released on the matter.
Homeland Conspiracy
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 11:21 a.m.
Come on "The man was shot once through the legs" Let them out after all they're only "armed and dangerous" No biggie, what could go wrong...
Hugh Giariola
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 10:33 a.m.
Wow, bonded out. I know bail is not supposed to be punitive, but what the french, toast? Who is the judge we owe this great honor to?
Barb's Mom
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 1:47 a.m.
If they are considered "armed and dangerous" why would they be let out on bond?