Man Charged With Murder Of Highland Park Reserve Officer A Habitual Offender, Police Say
DETROIT (WWJ) - A 35-year old Detroit man has been charged with the murder of a reserve Highland Park police officer.
Walter Jennings was arraigned Monday on charges of first degree murder, felon in possession and felony firearm second degree in connection with the murder of 33-year-old Roderick Jones who was gunned down Friday night outside a west side Detroit nightclub.
According to Assistant Detroit Police Chief Steve Dolunt, Jones — who was working security —apparently kicked Jennings and another man out of the Opyum Bar and Lounge, at 8 Mile Road and Telegraph, at some point during the night.
Later, said Dolunt, when Jones refused to let Jennings back inside, Jennings fired the fatal shots.
Dolunt said Jennings is a habitual offender, with a lengthy history of drug and gun charges.
"This guy is a criminal; I'm sorry, he is...a convicted criminal," Dolunt told WWJ's Sandra McNeill. "But apparently he enjoys pleading out so that he doesn't get hit with the max; and unfortunately he got out and killed someone."
"Apparently, he thought he was a real hard***," Dolunt added, "and now he can go to jail and think about his actions."
Jones, who was an Army veteran who served in Iraq, was rushed to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.
"He was a good officer," said Highland Park Police Chief Kevin Coney. "He was an Army veteran, he did a tour over in Iraq, just a stand-up guy. We never had any problems or issues with him."
Jennings faces life in prison without parole if convicted on the first degree murder charge.
The Highland Park Police Alumni have set up a fund to assist with final expenses and other financial needs of Jones' family. Those who wish to donate can do so via a GoFundMe page.
