Josiah Rettig Death Cause – The Ingham County Sheriff’s Office has identified Josiah Rettig, a 40-year-old resident of Gregory, Michigan, as the man who died in a crash in Leroy Township early Monday morning. The incident unfolded in a dramatic and dangerous sequence that involved firearms, reckless driving, and a fiery crash, prompting a multi-agency response.
Authorities said the events began around 3 a.m. when deputies from the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, along with officers from Meridian Township Police and the Williamston Police Department, were called to an apartment parking lot on the 300 block of W. Grand River Avenue. Reports indicated that an intoxicated, shirtless man was carrying a long gun in the lot. Witnesses claimed they heard him threaten, “Do you want to get shot?” before he entered a truck and drove southbound on Elm Road while still armed.
Shortly afterward, multiple 911 calls were made regarding a truck driving recklessly and waving a firearm. Residents described a dangerous situation as Rettig allegedly drove through the area, creating a high risk to pedestrians and motorists alike. The escalating emergency culminated when a witness reported that a truck had crashed at the intersection of Elm Road and Frost Road. Deputies arriving at the scene discovered the vehicle had caught fire in a wooded area.
Adding to the peril, authorities reported hearing gunshots and ammunition detonating, believed to be coming from the truck itself. The combination of a burning vehicle and exploding ammunition significantly complicated the response. To manage the threat, specialized units were called in, including the Ingham Regional Special Response Team and the Lansing Police Department Special Tactics and Rescue Team. They deployed armored tactical vehicles and drones to safely assess the scene while protecting officers from the risk posed by the exploding ammunition.
Once the area was secured, Rettig was found dead inside the truck. Authorities confirmed that there were no other injuries reported from the crash or the gunfire. The investigation into the circumstances leading up to Rettig’s fatal actions and subsequent crash remains active, with law enforcement continuing to collect evidence and interview witnesses.
Officials are urging anyone who may have information about the incident to come forward. Deputy Kevin Stalzer of the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office can be contacted at 517-676-8444. Investigators emphasized that witness accounts and additional information are critical to understanding the full scope of the incident and ensuring the facts are accurately documented.
The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by reckless behavior combined with firearms. Rettig’s death highlights the unpredictable and often deadly consequences that can result when intoxication, weapons, and impaired judgment intersect. The sheriff’s office continues to investigate the incident to provide answers to the community and to ensure that safety lessons can be reinforced in the wake of this tragedy.
