11/23/2006

Troopers say man pulled gun on them

Aaron Cloutier faces assault, weapons charges

By VICTOR SKINNER

vskinner@record-eagle.com

KALKASKA — A Kalkaska man who allegedly pulled a gun on two state police troopers faces eight felony charges.

Aaron Michael Cloutier, 48, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to murder, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and several other felonies after he allegedly threatened to kill a Kalkaska woman before pulling a handgun on troopers early Monday, said Lt. David R. Street, Kalkaska post commander.

Cloutier allegedly threatened to kill the woman, 56, at her home on Wagonshutz Road in Excelsior Township, then fled the scene before troopers arrived.

Troopers tracked Cloutier to a motor home about a mile away and interviewed him in its dark, cramped kitchen, Street said.

When troopers attempted to arrest Cloutier, he allegedly pulled a loaded handgun from under a seat cushion and raised it toward them.

"The troopers were in very close proximity and were able to quickly engage the suspect's hand and firearm to prevent him from discharging the firearm,” Street said.

Cloutier suffered a gash to the head during the fight.

He was taken to Kalkaska Memorial Hospital where he received stitches before being transferred to the Kalkaska County Jail.

"It is a miracle that something terrible didn't happen,” Street said. "Everything worked out that they were able to disarm the suspect without using fatal force. All the subjects involved were quite fortunate.”

Cloutier, a convicted felon, could face up to life in prison if convicted.

He was being held at Kalkaska County Jail on $500,000 bond Wednesday.