04/06/2018
Montcalm County Sheriff's Office
NEWS MEDIA INFORMATION REPORT
UPDATED NEWS RELEASE
ASSAULTING AN OFFICER ARREST
UPDATE—further information regarding the Assaulting an Officer Arrest
The Edmore man arrested and charged in connection with assaulting a Montcalm County Sheriff’s Deputy is Arik Jon Chapman, age 36, from Edmore. Chapman has been charged with one count of Assault With Intent To Do Great Bodily Harm Less Than Murder Or By Strangulation, one count of Attempted Disarming Of A Peace Office, two counts of Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing An Officer Causing Injury, two counts of Malicious Destruction Of Police Property, and thirteen counts of Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing A Police Officer. All of the charges are felony charges and the maximum sentences range from ten years to two years. Chapman remains in the County jail on a $200,000.00 bond for these charges in addition to the $100,000 bond from the previous charges
This incident began when Sergeant Steven Snyder, a nine year deputy with the Sheriff’s Office, saw Chapman in Edmore. Sergeant Snyder was conducting an ongoing investigation that resulted in a multi-count arrest warrant for Chapman. Those charges include felony child sexually abusive activity, felony using a computer to commit a crime, felony accosting a child for immoral purposes, and misdemeanor furnishing alcohol to a minor. Sergeant Snyder met with and spoke to Chapman in Chapman’s front yard. When Chapman discovered he was being criminally charged, he became violent and attacked Sergeant Snyder. During the struggle, Chapman attempted to get Sergeant Snyder’s handgun from him but was unsuccessful. Chapman then fled the scene on foot. As the two fought, a call from a citizen alerting Central Dispatch of Sergeant Snyder’s struggle prompted several officers and an ambulance to respond.
Sergeant Snyder was able to radio for assistance and give a direction of travel for Chapman. Sergeant Snyder was taken to Kelsey Memorial Hospital in Lakeview for treatment of injuries to his face and head sustained during the assault.
Officers with the Michigan State Police, Stanton Police Department, and Michigan Department of Natural Resources assisted the Sheriff’s Office in searching for Chapman. The search led to a nearby home where it was learned Chapman was hiding in an attic. The officers and homeowner attempted to convince Chapman to surrender but he refused. Chapman was setting fires in the attic prompting a response from the Home Township Fire Department. Chapman eventually made his way onto the roof of the home where he continued to defy orders to surrender. Chapman slid off the snowy, tin roof and fell to the ground only to run away again. Chapman was seen running towards Main Street where he attempted to open the door of a passing motorist. Chapman, unsuccessful in his attempt to get into the passing car, again ran. Shortly thereafter, Chapman was apprehended by officers and taken into custody. Chapman continued to resist, was defiant with law enforcement officials and damaged police property.
Sergeant Snyder was released from the hospital after having his injuries treated. Sergeant Snyder will be on leave while he recuperates at his home and is expected to make a full recovery.
Chapman sustained only minimal injuries during the incident.
The home that Chapman tried to set on fire sustained only minimal damage.
In all, 14 officers from the various agencies assisted in Chapman’s apprehension.
The Sheriff’s Office is attempting to identify the driver of the car Chapman tried to take and is asking for assistance.
