Gunman opens fire on police in Southwest Detroit; officers search for shooter

DETROIT – Detroit police were searching for a man who opened fire on officers Thursday morning in the 880 block of Chamberlain Street. 

Officers canvassed the neighborhood near I-75 and Fort Street. They have been looking for the individual who fired several gunshots at them. Detroit police believe they may know who this person is, and they wrapped up their massive search about 4:30 a.m. 

"I can't give you a possible name on the suspect yet because it's still very preliminary and early on in the investigation," said Detroit Police Capt. Mark Thornton. "The family is known to our officers, but in terms of what that contact with that family has been I can't tell you right now."

Police offered this description of the suspect:

  • Hispanic male
  • Age 25-30
  • Last seen wearing a gray shirt
  • Armed with handgun

Police said they were conducting a routine patrol through the neighborhood, as they do every night. They encountered an individual with a handgun. When officers approached the man he began firing shots at them and running, police said. Officers fired back. 

Officers were not injured in the shooting. Police also said they don't believe the suspect was shot during an exchange of gunfire. No blood was found at the scene. 

Police set up a perimeter in an attempt to find the person but their efforts so far have been unsuccessful.

More than a dozen shell casing markers have been placed at the scene.

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About the Author:

Koco joined the Local 4 News team in September of 2016. She was born and raised in Metro Detroit, attended Central Michigan University, and previously worked at WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids.