Man sticks 13-year-old boy with syringe on Detroit's west side

Man asked boy for change, stuck him with syringe when he didn't hand it over

DETROIT – A man armed with a syringe went on the attack near Wyoming and Fenkell streets on the west side of Detroit. His victim: a 13-year-old boy.

The boy was approached by the man who asked for change. When the young teen refused and tried to keep walking the attacker pulled out the syringe and stuck it in the boy's elbow.

"I can't believe that somebody would stab a child with a syringe because he wanted some change. That's ridiculous," said Angela Hurst, a concerned parent.

News of the stunning attack has been upsetting for parents such as Hurst, who lives in the neighborhood. She is keeping a close eye on her children tonight.

"I won't let none of my children be outside without me or their father," said Hurst. "Because it's too unsafe."

The attack happened last week about 9 a.m. in broad daylight near the intersection of Wyoming and Fenkell streets. The Defenders are told witnesses rushed to help the teen.

The search now is on for the man responsible. He is described as a black man in his 30s standing about 6 feet tall with a medium build, dark complexion, afro and wearing torn blue jeans.

Police say they are investigating and taking this complaint very seriously.


About the Author:

Hank Winchester is Local 4’s Consumer Investigative Reporter and the head of WDIV’s “Help Me Hank” Consumer Unit. Hank works to solve consumer complaints, reveal important recalls and track down thieves who have ripped off people in our community.