New class of Detroit police officers graduate as department mourns loss of fallen officer

DETROIT – A new class of Detroit police officers graduated Friday as the department mourned the loss of Officer Rasheen McClain.

RELATED: Detroit police officer killed in shooting: What we know

The graduation took place at the Second Ebenezer Church on Dequindre Street on Detroit’s east side. Graduation ceremonies are typically a happy time for the new officers and their families, but the church was filled with a different emotion Friday morning under the cloud of McClain’s death.

McClain and Officer Phillippe Batoum-Bisse were shot Wednesday night when they entered a residence on reports of a home invasion.

RELATED: Chief James Craig describes shooting that left veteran Detroit police officer dead

A 28-year-old man armed with a rifle was in the basement. When the officers started down the stairs, the gunman fired twice. McClain and Batoum-Bissi were both wounded.

Detroit Police Chief James Craig said the gunman was trying “to bait” the officers as they searched the home.

The gunman was shot by other officers and was taken into custody.

Batoum-Bissi is expected to be OK.

Detroit police Officer Rasheen McClain (WDIV)

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.

Dane is a producer and media enthusiast. He previously worked freelance video production and writing jobs in Michigan, Georgia and Massachusetts. Dane graduated from the Specs Howard School of Media Arts.

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