Chief Craig's comments fuel Detroit gas station safety debate

DETROIT – Detroit Police James Craig said he wouldn't stop at a gas station in the city overnight due to safety concerns.

"I wouldn't (stop)," he said. "But, if I had to ... I would probably be very aware of my surroundings."

Sources tell Local 4 the chief is irritated and that he meant to say he would think twice about stopping at any gas station, anywhere, late at night. He doesn't want his comments to overshadow the fact that Detroit police caught a trio of ruthless carjackers who were on a rampage.

Story: 3 arrested in Detroit crime spree

The trio struck three times on Monday. They're suspected of shooting and killing 31-year-old Gregory Whitfield during a carjacking attempt at a gas station.

However, when the chief of a major police force says he wouldn't stop at a gas station at night, people are going to take notice.

Chief Craig has stopped in problem gas stations asking them to improve customer safety. One clerk gave Craig a hard time. Two weeks later, a person filling up at the same station was shot at dozens of times.

Meanwhile, the president of the local Food and Petroleum Dealers Association said his group won't accept Detroit gas station membership due to safety.

""For some reason Detroit gas stations do not want to get their act together," he said.


About the Author:

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.