Shelter-in-place ordered in Southgate as manhunt for 20-year-old who shot officers continues

SOUTHGATE, Mich. – Joe Marsh, Director of Public Safety for the city of Southgate, provided an update on the shooting of two officers.

At approximately 4:10 p.m., police responded to a weapons call at the Village on the Park apartments in the 13000 block of Village Park Drive.

Update: Shelter-in-place lifted in Southgate after 20-year-old suspect is captured

Marsh said that a subject on the second floor was armed with a firearm and was waving it around.

Upon arrival, officers said they made contact with the individual, who quickly produced a handgun and began firing at them.

“Two of our officers were initially struck, both in the lower legs,” Marsh said. “I checked with my mayor on those individuals, and they are both in stable condition at a local hospital.”

The suspect, identified as Jeremiah Christian Kemp, fled the scene by jumping out of a second-floor window.

Marsh described Kemp as a Black man, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and 20 years old. He urged the community to remain vigilant.

“We believe that the suspect is armed and dangerous,” Marsh said. “We want the community to shelter in place. If you see this individual, immediately contact us. Call 911 and let us know that you see someone who looks like Mr. Kemp.”

Marsh emphasized the seriousness of the situation, saying, “Somebody who is going to shoot officers clearly has no regard for human life.”

Regarding the condition of the injured officers, Marsh said that the family surrounded both at the hospital.

“They’re angry, obviously, but they’re good,” Marsh said. “They’re almost through their 12-hour shift, and we’re trying to keep their spirits up.”

Marsh also discussed the ongoing search for Kemp.

“We have a perimeter in place, and canines are out,” Marsh said. “There are helicopters from Michigan State Police assisting us. We have a plethora of police officers from all over the state and county helping out.”

As the search continues, Marsh reiterated the importance of community safety.

“We believe he’s still in the area, and we want people to shelter in place,” Marsh said. “If anyone sees someone that looks like him, we urge them to go inside and stay there.”

Kemp was last seen wearing a black Tupac Shakur shirt with a chain and grey, ripped blue jeans.

The investigation is ongoing, and officials said they are working diligently to locate Kemp.

Watch the full press conference below: