On Friday, April 11, 2025 at 8:24 p.m., Deputies with the Clare County Sheriff Office were dispatched to an address on North Athey Rd in Hamilton Township, Clare County for an assault involving a firearm that had occurred. During the investigation, Deputies determined, 55 year old Michael James Dotson from Harrison had been arguing with a female acquaintance also from Harrison. As the argument escalated, James grabbed the victim and hit her face against a kitchen cabinet. The victim was able to exit the residence and hide on the property.
While the victim was hiding, Michael was able to arm himself with a rifle. After arming himself, Michael was able to find the female, at which point he began poking her on the back of the head with the barrel of the rifle. Michael was yelling at her while poking her with the rifle. Michael then pointed the rifle towards the home and fired one shot into the house.
After shooting the residence, Michael fled the scene leaving the rifle behind. A short time after this occurred, Michael was located in the city of Gladwin attempting check into a hotel by the Gladwin City Police Department. Michael was taken into custody without incident by Gladwin City Officers and transported to the Clare/Gladwin County line where he was turned over to a Clare County Sheriff Deputy.
Michael was lodged in the Clare County Jail on the following charges: one count Discharging a Firearm in or at a Building, three counts of Felony Firearms, one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, one count of Firearms-Possession by a Prohibited Person, and one count of Domestic Violence Second Offense Notice. Michael was charged as a Habitual Offender Fourth Notice. He was arraigned in the 80th District Court Clare County. His bond was set at $60,000 cash. Michael has since posted bond.
