12-year-old boy sexually assaulted during home invasion on Detroit's east side, police say

DETROIT – A home invasion on Detroit's east side took a violent turn Friday morning when a 12-year-old boy was reportedly sexually assaulted.

The house, located near the intersection of Beaconsfield Street and Outer Drive, was broken into just after 3:30 a.m.

ORIGINAL STORY: Police investigate sexual assault of child on Detroit's east side

Three men, one armed with a gun, demanded cash and cellphones. The boy, a 1-year-old baby, their mother and their grandmother were home at the time.

"He had his arm around his neck and a gun to his head," the grandmother said.

Police said the gunman forced the 12-year-old boy into his bedroom to sexually assault him. The grandmother heard a gunshot from the bedroom and pleaded for her grandson.

The mother was upstairs with the 1-year-old and called police. The family said she confronted the attackers, who reportedly were waving a gun in her face at the time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Detroit Police Department at 313-596-5500.

Detroit police described the suspects as the following:

  • A man in his early 20s with a medium brown complexion. He was 5 foot, 6 inches tall and was wearing a black sweat shirt, pants, and had a white bandana around his face.
  • A man who was wearing all black, black boots and weighed 150 to 170 pounds.
  • A 5 foot, 4 inch tall man with a medium brown complexion who had his hair in twisted braids. He was wearing a white shirt.
  • The suspected vehicle was a dark color smaller SUV.

About the Authors

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.

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