Father shot, killed in front of children at gas station on E. Vernor Highway

DETROIT – A man was shot and killed while waiting in a car with his two children in the back seat at a gas station on Detroit's east side Saturday night, according to police.

The shooting happened around 7:30 p.m. Saturday at a gas station on the corner of East Vernor Highway and Mount Elliott Street.

Andre Johnson Jr., 23, was waiting in his minivan with his two baby daughters while his girlfriend was inside the gas station.

Detroit police said the victim was reaching into the back seat taking care of his kids when he was shot through an open window. About a half-dozen shots were fired into the van. Detroit police said the Johnson had no time to react.

The shooter ran away and the victim's girlfriend rushed out of the store screaming for help.

Johnson died at the scene.

The two infants in the back seat were unharmed.

At this time, police do not see any indication of a robbery. Detroit police are reviewing surveillance video and are asking for the public's help.

Detroit police are searching for the shooter, who is described as a black male who is about 6 feet tall. He was wearing a blue hoodie pulled up and dark pants, and was last seen on Mount Elliot.

Stay with Local 4 and ClickonDetroit.com for updates on this developing story.


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