Edward Fitzgerald

ALPENA — The Alpena County prosecutor Cynthia Muszynski.has reviewed the investigation conducted by the Michigan State Police involving an officer involved shooting in Alpena County in November and released the name of the suspect.

The suspect was identified as 33-year-old Edward Fitzgerald of Alpena. Fitzgerald was shot by Presque Isle County deputies after a police chase and Fitzgerald exited his vehicle with a gun pointed at police.

Below are the findings given by Muszynski.:

“Michigan law gives a person the right to use force or even take a life to defend himself or another person under certain circumstances,” she said in a press release to the Michigan State Police. ” If a person uses force within our state’s definition of self-defense, their actions are justified under the law, and they are not guilty of a crime. Based upon a thorough review of the facts and applicable law, it is clear that the actions of Presque Isle County deputies, in the shooting of Edward Fitzgerald, were not criminal in nature but done in self-defense. The actions of Mr. Fitzgerald on November 27, 2025, presented an immediate danger of death or great bodily harm to deputies. Both deputies were justified in shooting at Mr. Fitzgerald under the doctrine of self-defense or defense of others.

It is important to note that once the threat of death or great bodily harm was alleviated, and Mr. Fitzgerald was no longer pointing his loaded weapon at the deputies, both deputies, along with another deputy, immediately began rendering life-saving first aid to Mr. Fitzgerald. But for the swift rendering of aid, Mr. Fitzgerald may have succumbed to his injuries that day.”

Fitzgerald was arraigned on December 26 in the 88th District Court in Alpena County on the following charges:

– One count: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Felonious Assault)

– Four counts: Weapons – Felony Firearm

– One count: Weapons – Dangerous Weapon – Carrying with Unlawful Intent

– One count: Police Officer – Fleeing- Third Degree – Penal Code

– One count: Police Officer – Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing

Fitzgerald was given a $250,000 cash or surety bond and his next court appearance is scheduled for December 30.