Flint-area man gets prison in shooting of officer

A Flint-area man is heading to prison for at least 25 years after being convicted of shooting a police officer during a traffic stop.

The Flint Journal reports Christopher Washington of Flint Township was sentenced Monday to 25-49 years in prison in connection with last year’s shooting of Flint Township officer Michael Schuyler. Washington was convicted last month of assault with intent to murder and other charges.

Prosecutors say police were attempting to arrest Washington on misdemeanor charges when Washington shot Schuyler three times. Schuyler and officers returned fire, hitting Washington six times.

Washington said in court he was attacked by officers and would “be dead” without his gun.

Schuyler says the incident has taken a “severe toll” on his family and fellow officers.