Lansing, MI — A chaotic scene unfolded late Friday night when a man crashed his car into a local restaurant and threatened law enforcement officers, culminating in a tense confrontation in which he grabbed an Eaton County deputy’s rifle during his arrest.
The incident occurred around 10:00 p.m. at IPOT, a hot pot BBQ and sushi buffet located at 730 Elmwood Rd. in Lansing. According to the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office, the driver, an approximately 40-year-old man from Lansing, lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the front left side of the building, breaking through the exterior wall and window. Fortunately, no one inside the restaurant was injured during the crash.
When deputies arrived at the scene, the suspect made alarming threats, claiming to have a bomb, firearms, and body armor in his vehicle. As officers attempted to arrest him, he managed to grab an Eaton County deputy’s rifle and gain a strong hold on it. Deputies quickly intervened, disarming the man and securing him into custody.
The suspect is believed to have been driving under the influence at the time of the crash, though further investigation is ongoing. He faces multiple charges, including assault on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest.
Despite the shock of the incident, the restaurant’s owner, Austin Dong, expressed optimism. “I was definitely surprised, that’s for sure,” said Dong, who co-owns IPOT with his family. “We haven’t even been open for a month, and then this happens out of nowhere.”
The crash caused significant damage to the restaurant’s exterior, though no patrons or employees were harmed. “We are hopeful that we can resume operations while construction is being done,” Dong added.
The Eaton County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into the events leading up to the crash and the suspect’s threats. The man is being held in custody while authorities work to determine the full extent of the charges against him.
