Man accused of shooting at his wife, barricading himself in home

FARMINGTON HILLS — The Farmington Hills Police Department and Oakland County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team recently teamed up to reportedly help resolve a potentially violent situation.

At approximately 5:30 p.m. Nov. 30, officers from the Farmington Hills Police Department responded to the 29000 block of Ramblewood Drive, which is located near 14 Mile and Middlebelt roads, after receiving a 911 call reporting that a man shot at his wife multiple times while inside the residence.

The wife of Paul Holland, 44, reported to officers that he was intoxicated and became aggressive toward her.

In order to defend herself, she reportedly armed herself with a firearm, which was followed by Holland allegedly arming himself with two handguns, police said.

He then began shooting at a ceiling, at walls and toward his wife, according to a press release from the city of Farmington Hills.

Holland’s wife fled the home. Following that, she met with officers who “ensured her safety,” according to the press release.

“The Farmington Hills Police Department attempted to de-escalate the situation and have the husband exit the home peacefully; however, he ignored all commands to exit the home,” the release states. 

“A search warrant was obtained, and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team forced entry into the home where the husband was safely arrested. No one was injured during this incident, due to the actions of all involved.”

After an investigation, detectives from the Farmington Hills Police Department submitted their findings to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, which issued a four-count warrant, charging Holland with felonious assault, discharging a firearm in a building, and two counts of felony firearm.

Holland was arraigned on the charges Dec. 2 at the 47th District Court in Farmington Hills. A plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf, with bond set at $250,000 — cash or surety.

A preexam conference has been scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Dec. 11.

At press time, a message left for the attorney listed on record for Holland, Vassal N. Johnson II, had not been returned.

Farmington Hills Police Chief Jeff King shared some thoughts about the incident.

“I am extremely proud of the heroic actions of the women and men of the Farmington Hills Police Department,” King stated via the release. “They were calm and courageous in the face of danger and were able to de-escalate a violent situation that could have resulted in great harm to those involved, as well as the neighboring community.”

The release also acknowledged the assistance that the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office provided.

It was the fifth incident of domestic violence involving a shooting in Farmington Hills this year, according to the release.

“The Farmington Hills Police Department is dedicated to preventing these senseless acts of violence through work with community partners, as part of the Farmington Hills Coordinated Community Response Team,” the release states. 

“This group includes representatives from the Farmington Hills Police Department, City of Farmington Department of Public Safety, HAVEN, Call to Action Coalition, Mai Family Services, Oakland University, Jewish Family Services, Farmington Public Schools, Corewell Hospital, State and City prosecutors, and the 47th District Court. Team members meet regularly to pursue their goal of preventing the tragedy of domestic violence by reaching out to people in crisis and making them aware of vital services that are available.”

The release goes on to state that community members who are in need of services are encouraged to contact the Farmington Hills Police Department or “community partners” to access resources that may help prevent acts of domestic violence.

The phone number for the Farmington Hills Police Department is (248) 871-2600.