NORTON SHORES—
After taking his own grandmother hostage, Benjamin Kukulka, 48, was shot and killed by Norton Shores police officer Cpl. Rhyndress Sunday morning. Police were responding to a domestic violence call from the 1100 block of East Norton Avenue in Norton Shores when the incident occurred.A Michigan State Police investigation shows that Benjamin Kukulka, when confronted by police officers, became "increasingly more agitated" and requested that officers "kill me now" multiple times. Kukulka also proceeded to stab himself in the neck multiple times during the standoff.
Polly Kukulka, 84, came into the kitchen near where the standoff between officers and Kukulka was taking place. Benjamin Kukulka was able to grab Polly from behind, raising two knives to her neck. Cpl. Rhyndress, fearing for the eldery woman's safety, discharged a single shot to Benjamin Kukulka's head. Kukulka fell, still holding Polly, forcing Cpl. Rhyndress to fire on Kukulka a second time. Officers were then able to free Polly from his grasp.
Polly, an Alzheimer's patient, was unable "to clearly recall the events surrounding the shooting" according to the Michigan State Police report.
It was discovered after the incident that Cpl. Rhyndress had been stabbed by Kukulka once near his left knee.
An autopsy of Kukulka's body revealed two gunshots -- one on the left ear and one near the suspect's left jaw. Benjamin Kukulka's criminal record includes 19 prior convictions, including armed robbery, home invasion, aggravated assault and domestic violence among other charges.
The report indicates that Cpl. Rhyndress "reasonably feared for the life of Polly Kukulka" and "was left with no alternative but to use deadly force to protect her." The conclusion of the report states that Cpl. Rhyndress was "justified in using deadly force against Kukulka in the defense of others."
