Birch Tree Man Charged for Assaulting MVPD Officer

Wilfred Pierce, 50, of Birch Tree, faces two felony charges that stem from an interaction with Detective Stetson Schwien on September 4. According to a probable cause statement filed by Det. Schwien, he initiated a traffic stop when he observed Pierce driving while not wearing a seat belt as the subject travelled west on 7th St. in Mountain View.

Pierce pulled into the parking lot of a business and immediately exited the vehicle and according to court documents “became very belligerent.”

“He immediately took several steps towards me and stood in a stance that I know from my training and experience as a fighting posture,” reads the officer’s statement. 

Pierce allegedly refused to identify himself or to provide identification. He refused to obey verbal commands to place his hands behind his back while screaming that the officer could not arrest him for a seat belt. When Pierce reached to draw something from a pocket, Det. Schwien deployed a stun gun, which failed to incapacitate the subject. Pierce began punching, scratching, and shoving the officer and tried to take the TASER. 

In the ensuing scuffle, Det. Schwien was able to control the subject to the ground and handcuff him, but not before having to employ the stun gun two additional times. During the altercation, a woman and two minors who had been with Pierce in the vehicle were standing around the pair screaming while shoving and throwing things at the officer. 

Other officers and EMS arrived and helped to secure the scene. 

Det. Schwien’s statement noted lacerations to his right arm from the subject’s fingernails and minor injuries to his arm and shoulder. The interaction was captured on the officer’s body camera.

Pierce was cited at the scene for municipal ordinance violations and released.

The Howell County Prosecuting attorney’s office filed formal charges for this incident on September 15. Pierce is charged with third degree assault of a special victim and resisting arrest, both felonies. A warrant was issued on September 16, and as of press time, Pierce remains at large.