Harper Woods police: Young girl sexually assaulted; 3 in custody

Police: 3 young boys in custody after assault

HARPER WOODS, Mich. – Harper Woods police are investigating the sexual assault of an elementary school-aged girl.

The incident happened about 5 p.m. Wednesday in the 18700 block of Elkhart Street.

The young girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by three juveniles in a garage.

"I pull up and I'm like, 'What's going on?'" said Brian Irby.

Detectives went door-to-door in the Harper Woods neighborhood, searching for the young suspects.

"It's neighbors next to me who's got little girls, and like I said I have a 9-year-old. Kids play all the time up and down this street," said Irby.

Police said the girl ran home crying frantic and afraid. She told her mom who then called police.

"It's just a tragedy any time a kid is involved in any crime, especially this nature of a crime is a very, very terrible thing," said Harper Woods Police Chief Jim Burke.

The girl is being treated at St. Johns Hospital.

The sounds of kids playing outside in the neighborhood were silenced Wednesday evening with neighbors reeling and praying.

"I'm amazed because this is a nice block," said Irby. "I hope the little girl is OK."

Police said they have three minor males in custody. There could be more involved.

Stay with ClickOnDetroit.com for more information as it becomes available.