KINGSTON, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Kingston Police Chief Albert Pearsall responded to a Feb. 4 call in Koylton Township in Tuscola County about a possible illegal burn and a questionable driver possibly unlawfully driving away a motor vehicle when things took a sharp turn. Instead of a polite “How can I help you?” response, suspect Dale A. Ford, 34, began swinging an ax at the door of a residence.

According to a report from WJRT-TV, Pearsall reportedly grabbed a nearby snow shovel and used it to block and fend off the assault, creating enough breathing room for him and the other officers to retreat safely. No one was injured during the encounter and a two-hour standoff ended peacefully – proving that a shovel can be more than just a winter driveway essential.

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Pearsall told the Tuscola Advertiser, “It was a full-sized ax versus a snow shovel,” adding “It was pretty intense.” He went on to say, “When the door flew open, he (suspect) was right there. He was waitin’…It was just pure instincts, and situational awareness to find something that happened to be right there. It probably could have been my sidearm (firearm) just as easily. I don’t know why in the hell I grabbed a snow shovel.”

Charges stacked high like a winter drift.

Ford now faces a laundry list of felony charges, including multiple counts of assaulting, resisting or obstructing law enforcement; assault with intent to do great bodily harm; felonious assault, carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent, and assault with intent to murder. If convicted on the most serious charge, he could be sentenced to life in prison. Bond was set at $250,000, and he remains in the Tuscola County Jail awaiting court dates on February 18 and 25.