DETROIT – An exchange of gunfire between a suspect and the police on Detroit’s west side has left one person dead.
Update: Man shot by Detroit police was out on bond, reportedly had ghost gun, ‘large amount of narcotics’
The incident occurred on Wednesday (Dec. 20) at 10:15 p.m. on Fenkell Avenue and the Southfield Service Drive.
Detroit police Assistant Chief Charles Fitzgerald said that the information he gave was preliminary as it was subject to change.
“At approximately 10:15 p.m., the white vehicle behind us failed to signal,” said Fitzgerald. “The suspect came on and waited for the light to turn and effectively drove through, and the police affected a traffic stop.”
Fitzgerald continued:
“When they encountered the driver, he, in fact, did not have a license. They asked him to step out from the vehicle, and that’s when the first struggle ensued.”
Officials say the man tried to flee the traffic stop, causing the arresting officer to reach his leg into the car to step on the break.
Police say the officer was dragged about 20 yards before the officer’s partner ran up on the other side of the vehicle where a passenger was seated and attempted to use his taser, but it didn’t take effect.
Officials say that was when the driver put the car back in reverse and started dragging the officer again, this time in the opposite direction.
“Fearing for his safety and the safety of his partner, the officer fired his one round, striking the suspect in the upper chest.”
The driver was taken to a Metro Detroit hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The officer was also taken to the hospital as well as he sustained some injuries.
Fitzgerald said the passenger inside the vehicle with the driver was arrested and awaiting questioning.
Police said before the skirmish ensued, there was a Gloc on the vehicle’s floorboard. The Gloc had an extended magazine, and it had a Gloc switch.
“If the suspect had pulled the trigger on the now deceased suspect, the officer would have taken 15 shots.”
There was also some marijuana packaged for sale inside of the vehicle as well.
This is a breaking news story, and updates will be posted as they become available.