Calumet deputies subdued the man using a stun gun. incident found guilty by jury

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

According to a press release from the Houghton County Prosecutor’s Office, Makele was charged with resisting/obstructing a police officer (2 year felony) and disorderly conduct (misdemeanor).

Houghton County Prosecutor Dan Helmer said sheriff’s deputies received a call on Sept. 17, 2022, regarding an alleged assault that occurred in Kearsarge, and during the investigation, they found Makela the caller outside at approximately 3:30 a.m. alleged attack, law enforcement identified Makela as the perpetrator.

Helmer adds that the owners of the house where the incident occurred asked Makela not to return. He refused to comply and shouted and behaved in the street, waking up nearby residents. He continued to refuse to leave, so he was placed under arrest for disturbing the peace. He attempted to prevent arrest by refusing to comply or be handcuffed. Police eventually subdued Makelu using a stun gun.

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

Judge Frazier Strom revoked Makela’s bail after sentencing and ordered him taken into the custody of the Houghton County Sheriff’s Department.

Houghton County Prosecutor Dan Helmer prosecuted the case with assistance from the Houghton County Sheriff’s Department.

“This was the first criminal trial in Houghton County in many years due to staffing issues, COVID and instability in the prosecutor’s office before I took office,” Helmer said. “I am proud to bring this case to trial and am grateful to the jury for its thorough deliberations and verdict. The message here should be clear: If you commit a crime in Houghton County, we will seek justice – and, if necessary, bring you to justice.”

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

“Attempting to subvert the justice system instead of a fair shake-up in court is as disgusting as it gets. I will not tolerate this and assure the people of Houghton County that this will be investigated and if charges are brought, 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 until his sentencing on Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. in Houghton County Circuit Court.