DETROIT – The Detroit Police Department has released video to get the community’s help in identifying the suspect who they accused of shooting a man while on the DDOT bus.
The incident occurred on Wednesday (July 2) at 7:25 a.m. in the area of East 8 Mile Road and Mt. Elliott when the alleged suspect, in his 50s, walked up to the 24-year-old man and fired a shot, striking the victim in the body before fleeing on foot.
Police said the alleged suspect’s weapon and backpack were recovered, and the victim was being treated at a Metro Detroit hospital for his injuries, as he was shot in the chest.
During a press conference on Wednesday morning, Detroit Police Assistant Chief Charles Fitzgerald stated that the suspect had run out of the bus and obtained a ride from someone.
He was last seen in the area of Mound Road and East Davison.
“It’s odd that he just stood up and walked over to him and shot one time. Does not look like there was any altercation,” Fitzgerald said
Police described the suspect as a man in his 50s wearing a black baseball cap and a white T-shirt.
It’s not clear what led to the shooting.
Fitzgerald said they will increase bus boarding due to the recent events.
He said officers will routinely board a bus and then get off at the next stop.
“You are going to see random bus boarding. We are going to do our absolute best not to delay anything. We are going to get in, ride for a bit, and get off,” Fitzgerald said.
Anyone who recognizes the man or has any information is asked to contact the Detroit Police Department at 313-596-1140 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
Stabbing on bus night before shooting
According to the assistant chief, there was also a stabbing on a public bus Tuesday night.
Fitzgerald said there was an argument between the bus driver and a passenger in a DDOT bus near 7 Mile and Gratiot at around 6 p.m. on July 1. The passenger spat on the bus driver, then the bus driver turned and allegedly stabbed the passenger.
Police said the bus driver will be facing charges.
“We got to make sure it’s safe. From the stabbing last night now to this, it’s too much. This is our main set of transportation for folks to get to and from and we have to keep it safe for them,” Fitzgerald said.
DDOT released the following statement regarding the two incidents:
“DDOT takes the safety of its riders and drivers very seriously. In 2024, we transitioned to the Detroit Police Department providing security on our buses. We have installed barriers protecting the driver, and metal detectors at our transit centers. These actions have the same goal — to put safety first and foremost.
Following these two unfortunate incidents, DDOT leadership has met with union leadership, and came to an agreement that DPD will be providing additional security on buses, but in uniform and under cover. Our goal to keep riders and drivers as safe as possible remains paramount."
Detroit Department of Transportation
Watch the full press conference below: