Veteran who pointed rifle at cops pleads to reduced charges.

Wulff

Veteran who pointed rifle at cops pleads to reduced charges.

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

LUDINGTON — A military veteran who has taken major steps to address mental issues pleaded to reduced charges Tuesday, Dec. 14, in 51st Circuit Court. 

Kevin Matthew Wulff, 43, of of 6812 W. Decker Rd., Hamlin Township, was initially charged with two counts of assaulting/resisting/obstructing police a year ago after pointing what is commonly referred to as an assault rifle at two Mason County sheriff’s deputies. Wullf pleaded to reduced charges of attempted assaulting/resisting/obstructing police Tuesday.

The incident occurred Nov. 9, 2020 at his home after deputies responded to a call of a suicidal person with children present.

“Upon arrival of deputies, the subject allegedly exited the house with a rifle and pointed it at deputies, refusing to lower the gun after several orders to do so,” previously said Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole. “He then went back into the house. The subject eventually exited the house and was taken into custody.”

“This could have easily ended in a very bad outcome,” said Mason County Prosecutor Lauren Kreinbrink. The deputies were able to de-escalate the situation to take Wulff into custody without incident.

Wulff has received extensive mental health treatment through the Department of Veterans Affairs, said defense attorney Jeffrey West. West commended the deputies for how they handled the situation, which helped his client avoid being shot.

“He’s very fortunate and very grateful,” said West. “He had a horrible night. We’re thankful to the deputies and the prosecutor’s office.”

Wulff served in the military for 19 years with 10 years active duty in the Middle East. West said his client, who suffers from PTSD, has been sober for 399 days and has undergone psychotherapy and medical treatment. He’s a single father with two children.

“I realize my actions that night were gross,” said Wulff. “They were dangerous. With the help of the VA, I’ve been able to put a lot of things in perspective.”

“The actions that you’ve taken over the last almost 11 months have really shown your commitment to mental health,” said Judge Susan K. Sniegowski, who noted that the plea agreement is “well crafted. Taking advantage of that help is very important and you’ve done that very well.”

Wulff’s probation is continued for two years, and he was sentenced to one year discretionary jail with credit for two days served. 

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