DETROIT – An off-duty Detroit police officer was critically injured during a shootout with a robbery suspect Sunday night outside a liquor store on the city's east side.
The officer was in the Motor City Liquor store about 11 p.m. Sunday on the corner of Gratiot Avenue and Chene Street. He made his purchase, then walked back into the parking lot.
Security cameras captured what happened next.
"We see where a suspect is running to the officer with his arm extended, holding a weapon and at some point there is a gun battle between the off-duty officer and the suspect," said Detroit Police Chief James Craig.
The suspect was shot and killed. The officer was shot twice -- in the torso and foot. He was rushed to Detroit Receiving Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. He is in critical condition.
After the shooting, another suspect showed up and walked up to the first suspect. Police believe this man took the gun from the suspect who was shot and the officer's gun.
"His gun was laying adjacent to him. He removed the gun and then he went over to where the officer was lying, and it appeared that he may have taken his gun as well," said Craig.
Police are looking for two vehicles: A dark colored or black sedan and a 2008 or 2009 silver or white Dodge Durango. These are either suspect vehicles or witness vehicles.
Meanwhile, the officer remains in critical condition. He is a 27-year-old who has been with the department for one year.
"Certainly we're asking for the public's thoughts and prayers," said Craig.
Images from the surveillance cameras are poor. However, Craig hopes someone can identify the vehicles and hopefully a witness can help.
Sign up for ClickOnDetroit breaking news alerts and email newsletters