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Michigan jury convicts Tanner Carr of assault and reckless operation of an airboat after a dangerous confrontation with ice fishers in Sebewaing Township.
Jury Finds Tanner Carr Guilty in Airboat Assault
A Sebewaing man, Tanner Carr, 38, was convicted on December 4, 2024, of multiple charges, including three counts of Assault with Intent to do Great Bodily Harm, following a harrowing ice fishing confrontation in Huron County. The incident, involving the reckless use of an airboat, led to injuries and nearly fatal consequences for the victim’s father.
The Dangerous Encounter on Ice
The incident occurred on February 23, 2024, on a canal in Sebewaing Township near Kilmanagh Road. Carr, operating an airboat, allegedly broke through the ice as he approached a group of three men ice fishing. Carr had a history with one of the men, resulting in prior animosity.
Witnesses testified that Carr initiated a verbal altercation before aggressively speeding the airboat toward the group, forcing them to flee. In the chaos, the victim’s father fell through the broken ice into freezing water. Rescuers, including the victim, a friend, and a good Samaritan, eventually saved the man, though he suffered severe hand injuries from prolonged exposure.
When initially questioned, Carr denied being present, later admitting during trial testimony that he lied to police but claimed no intent to harm anyone.
Prosecution Secures Conviction in a Two-Day Trial
The case was prosecuted in the 52nd Circuit Court under Judge Gerald Prill, with Chief Assistant Prosecutor David J. Wallace presenting evidence. Testimonies from the victims and Carr’s own companion on the airboat, along with photographic and video evidence, played a key role in the trial.
Carr faced an amended set of charges, including Felonious Operation of a Vessel and Reckless Operation of a Vessel, alongside the assault counts. After deliberating for nearly two hours, the jury returned a guilty verdict on all counts except a dismissed charge of interfering with sports fishing.
Prosecutor Timothy Rutkowski commended the Huron County Sheriff’s Department and his team for their diligent investigation and presentation of the case, calling it “a team effort.”
What Comes Next for Tanner Carr
Carr now faces up to 10 years in prison for each of the primary assault charges. At a bond hearing following the verdict, the court allowed Carr to remain on bond under strict conditions, including GPS monitoring, until sentencing on February 3, 2025.
Community Concerns and Broader Context
This case highlights the dangers posed by reckless behavior on Michigan’s waterways, especially during winter recreation. It also underscores the importance of local law enforcement and judicial systems in addressing violence and ensuring public safety.
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