Man subdued with a stun gun by deputies in the Calumet neighborhood. incident found guilty by jury

HOUGHTON, Mich. (WLUC) – After a day-long trial in 12th Circuit Court in Houghton on Thursday, a jury found 33-year-old Douglas Edward Makela guilty of all charges.

According to a news release from the Houghton County Prosecutor’s Office, Makela was charged with resisting/obstructing a police officer, a two-year felony, and disturbing the peace, a misdemeanor.

Houghton County Prosecutor Dan Helmer said sheriff’s deputies were called on September 17, 2022, to an alleged assault that occurred in Kearsarge and during the investigation found the appellant, Makela, on the streets at approximately 3:30 in the morning. alleged assault, law enforcement determined that Makela was the instigator.

Helmer adds that the owners of the home where the incident occurred asked Makela not to return. He refused to comply, shouting and being disorderly in the street, waking nearby residents. He continued to refuse to leave, so he was arrested for disturbing the peace. He attempted to prevent arrest by refusing to comply or be handcuffed. Makela was eventually subdued with a stun gun by deputies.

Evidence presented at trial also showed that Makela threatened a civilian witness to the incident. That investigation is ongoing.

Judge Fraser Strome, following the verdict, revoked Makela’s bond and ordered him taken into custody by the Houghton County Sheriff’s Department.

Houghton County Prosecutor Dan Helmer handled the case with the assistance of the Houghton County Sheriff’s Department.

“This was Houghton County’s first criminal trial in many years due to staffing issues, COVID and instability in the DA’s Office prior to my taking office,” Helmer said. “I am proud to have taken this case to trial and am grateful for the jury’s careful deliberation and verdict. The message here should be clear: If you commit a crime in Houghton County, we will seek justice – and if necessary, we will go to trial.”

Helmer noted that the case was more than two years old and that his office was still clearing the backlog he inherited when he took office. He also raised concerns about trial testimony where a witness indicated that Makela threatened to harm both her and the arresting officers if he was convicted.

“Trying to subvert the justice system instead of giving yourself a fair shake in court is about as disgusting as it comes. I will not tolerate this and I assure the residents of Houghton County that this will be investigated and if charged – Mr. Makela will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Helmer said.

Makela will be held in the Houghton County Jail without bond pending his sentencing on December 16 at 1:00 PM in Houghton County Circuit Court.