Woman shot during argument between young men before fireworks in Downtown Detroit

Chiquita Keen-Johnson recovering after being shot by group of arguing men

DETROIT – It's been a rough 24 hours for Chiquita Keen-Johnson and her family after she was shot during an argument between young men next to the Spirit of Detroit statue before Monday's fireworks Downtown.

The 47-year-old grandmother was with her family Monday night when the argument between the men turned into gunfire.

READ: 3 people shot in 2 separate shootings Monday night in Downtown Detroit

Keen-Johnson was struck in her side by a bullet, which also clipped her rib. The bullet is still ledged where it struck, because medical officials are afraid trying to pull it out would cause more damage.

"I heard a gunshot, and then all of a sudden I was almost not able to move," Keen-Johnson said.

The fight between a group of young men turned violent, and when they started shooting, Keen-Johnson was an innocent bystander who was injured.

"I fell, and my husband thought I had tripped," Keen-Johnson said. "I was like, 'I just got shot.'"

Police and paramedics were instantly at the scene. Keen-Johnson's 8-year-old grandson, Amari, said his first thought was to run to police for help.

"My 8-year-old grandson had ran to the street and ... said, 'My grandma just got shot,'" Keen-Johnson said.

Amari stood by his grandfather and great grandmother as they relived what happened. The entire family is physically and emotionally wrung out after the shooting.

"It was a total mess," Keen-Johnson said. "It was, you know, uncalled for, totally."

Family members are still at Henry Ford Hospital. While they're grateful for the help that arrived so quickly, they said they won't be attending any more fireworks shows.

"I no longer even want to go Downtown," Keen-Johnson said. "It's too much. I'm afraid to be in a big crowd. I'm afraid of what will happen."


About the Authors:

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.