Chief James Craig calls Detroit fireworks a 'success' despite shootings

DETROIT – Police Chief James Craig held a news conference Tuesday calling the 2017 Ford Fireworks events a success despite two separate shootings in Downtown Detroit.

“For the most part, the feedback I’m getting, even after the shooting incident, people felt like it was safe, Craig said.

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The fireworks were scheduled to begin at 9:55 p.m. Gunshots were heard five minutes prior causing panic outside the Coleman A. Young Building at Woodward and Jefferson avenues.

READ: 2 in custody after woman shot during argument between men in Downtown Detroit

Police said a gun was pulled out during an argument and the woman was an innocent bystander. Police originally had said two persons of interest were taken into custody, but Craig said Tuesday afternoon that the adult was later released the juvenile was taken in due to the curfew violation. A weapon was recovered from the scene.

The woman was rushed to Detroit Receiving Hospital for treatment. Police said her injuries appeared to be not life threatening. She is in stable condition.

Just six blocks away, at the corner of Fort Street and Cass Avenue, a man and a woman were shot while sitting in a vehicle. Police said the occupants were in an argument with someone outside the vehicle and pulled out a gun, firing shots, hitting one person in the stomach and another person was grazed.

READ: 2 people shot inside vehicle during argument in Downtown Detroit

No one was taken into custody. The victims were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Police insist this shooting was unrelated to the fireworks. It is unclear why. Craig said the shooting happened outside the "footprint" of the evening's events.