Detroit police: 2 officers shot while responding to burglary call on city's west side

Police say 19-year-old fired shotgun from inside home

DETROIT – Two Detroit police officers were injured in a shooting overnight in the 20000 block of Lesure Street on the city's west side.

UPDATE: Detroit police chief: 'We're optimistic' 2 officers will recover after being shot; man in custody

One officer was hit with shrapnel in his left arm. He is expected to be released from the hospital soon. 

The other officer was shot in his face by a shotgun and remains in critical condition. He has spent two years with the Detroit Police Department while the other has spent 18 months with the department. 

Both officers are being treated at Sinai-Grace Hospital.

Police: Man fired at officers from inside home

At about 11:45 p.m. Sunday the officers went to a home in the 20000 block of Lesure Street for a burglary call. That's when they were shot by someone armed with a shotgun inside the home. 

There were three different burglary calls to the home throughout the day Sunday, police said. The caller reported someone was trying to break into their home. Inside the home was a mother, her 19-year-old son and a 14-year-old. 

When Detroit police officers arrived at the home about 11:45 p.m. Sunday the 19-year-old apparently did not realize they were officers and not burglars approaching the home. He retrieved a shotgun and shot through a window, striking the officers. 

"Several calls of a burglary were made to the police department on this date," said Chief James Craig. "In fact, three calls were made. One of the individuals in the house, who we believe to be the 19-year-old male, fearing for the safety of his family fired from inside the house, armed with a shotgun, striking both officers."

3 people from home being questioned

The three people who were inside the home have been detained by police and are being questioned. 

Detroit police are investigating. 

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About the Authors:

Nick joined the Local 4 team in February of 2015. Prior to that he spent 6 years in Sacramento covering a long list of big stories including wildfires and earthquakes. Raised in Sterling Heights, he is no stranger to the deep history and pride Detroit has to offer.