Photo: Wayne County Sheriff’s Corporal Bryant Searcy
The day a Detroit inmate was video arraigned on murder charges for the alleged murder of Wayne County Sheriff’s Corporal Bryant Searcy, it was also officially announced by Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan would be lowered to half-staff the next day.
According to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, 28-year-old Deandre Williams, of Detroit, was arraigned in 36th District Court in Detroit on charges of murdering a police officer, first-degree premeditated murder and felony murder.
Williams was being held on weapons charges and carjacking. Also, he was once was convicted of trying to possess a weapon while in a state prison.
Searcy, 50, was on duty checking jail cells around 10 p.m. September 2 when he was allegedly attacked. Sources said Williams snuck up on Searcy and put him in a chokehold. Searcy was found by other deputies at the Wayne County Jail, was unresponsive and was taken the the jail where he died.
Williams’ next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 23.
Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff on Thursday, September 10, 2020, to honor the life and service of Searcy.
“Our state is devastated after hearing about the loss of Corporal Bryant Searcy,” Whitmer said. “He was a professional who served our state with honor and dignity. My heart goes out to his family and the entire law enforcement community as they deal with his tragic loss.”
Searcy was a member of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office for 18 years. He is survived by his wife and daughter.
The state of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of Searcy by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.
To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.
