MECOSTA COUNTY — Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officer Ryan Cox was found not guilty by a Mecosta County jury on July 2, of charges stemming from an officer-involved shooting. The incident occurred on May 13, 2023, at Merrill-Gorrel County Park in Barryton, where Cox, while off duty, intervened in a violent attack.
The jury unanimously acquitted Cox of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, concluding a case that experienced multiple scheduling delays before trial. The incident involved Cox using what was determined to be justified force after hearing a woman screaming for help and the violence escalated to include his father.
The May 13, 2023, incident took place while Cox was camping with his family at Merrill-Gorrel County Park. Cox followed policy by announcing himself as a DNR conservation officer and using appropriate verbal commands before the physical violence escalated to include his father. He then used force to stop the assailant.
Chief Brandon Kieft of the DNR Law Enforcement Division expressed gratitude for the legal process reaching its conclusion. “We are grateful that the legal process in this case has concluded and that a jury returned a not guilty verdict,” Kieft said. “Officer Cox has navigated the standard investigations and legal processes while maintaining his professionalism and commitment to those around him. We appreciate the jury’s recognition that he acted appropriately to protect others in dangerous circumstances.”
Cox had been on paid administrative leave while the court case was resolved. He was represented by Ben Hall Law.
The DNR is working with the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards to return Cox to active duty within the DNR Law Enforcement Division.