Detroit man shot at after waking up during robbery

Victims weren't injured in shooting

DETROIT – A family was asleep Thursday morning when two thieves broke into their east Detroit home.

When they tried to stop the robbers, they got shot at and dove for cover.

The thieves took advantage of something many people tend to do when they're home.

A young man was sound asleep at the home when the thieves tried to break in.

"They came through the side window, climbed over me and they both had guns," he said.

Brandon Harris, 20, didn't wake up. Neither did his dad or a friend staying with the family. The thieves grabbed a flat screen TV and a laptop before running out the front door.

That's when Harris woke up.

"I just saw two males running out the door with a flat screen," Harris said. "My instinct reaction was to stop them. They shot at me. I closed the door."

Harris said the passenger opened fire, shooting at Harris as he stood on his front porch. The driver stuffed the electronics in his car, Harris said.

"Life flashed before me," he said. "You can be gone like that. My dad was in the back. They could have shot him dead."

The family lives near Conner Creek and Jefferson Avenue on the east side.

Harris' dad is a disabled veteran, and they live in a home subsidized by the Michigan Veteran's Foundation.

The stolen goods were expensive, but Harris said they'll learn to do without them until they can save up the money.

"It's stuff that can be replaced," Harris said. "I'm happy to be alive."

Harris said he wasn't able to get a good look at the robbers. He hopes they don't come back.

"A lot of people should be scared," Harris said. "They could come through your window, as well."

Harris said his family has lived at the home for about two years and had never been robbed. Now, the family feels unsafe and is thinking about moving.


About the Authors:

Priya joined WDIV-Local 4 in 2013 as a reporter and fill-in anchor. Education: B.A. in Communications/Post Grad in Advanced Journalism

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.