Father killed, son shot in hand in robbery at Detroit Wendy's

28-year-old man shot in front of 2 sons

DETROIT – A father and his 9-year-old son were shot in a Wendy's drive through line Sunday morning during a robbery and carjacking.

Authorities say 28-year-old Christopher Reed (pictured above) was shot three times and died as a result of his injuries. His 9-year-old son was shot once in the hand and sustained non-life threatening injuries. Reed's other son, a 5-year-old, who was also in the car, was uninjured.

The incident happened around midnight at the Wendy's in the 22000 block of Grand River Avenue on Detroit's west side.

The victims were in a purple Magnum when two men approached the car with guns and announced a robbery. Police say both men stuck guns in Reed's face.

Reed cooperated with the men and handed over cash and his Rolex watch, but the robbers fired shots into the car for no reason, investigators said.

"I hear several gunshots as if they were right in my driveway," said Jackie Brown, who lives nearby.

Reed and his son rushed to a hospital, but Reed died from his injuries. His 9-year-old son is expected to be okay.

A witness who caught a glimpse of the robbers' van said it is black with tinted windows. It left the area after the shooting.

Wendy's says there are no video cameras installed that could capture the incident and help police track down the gunmen.


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.