SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Southfield police say they have made a break in a gas station shooting that erupted last fall, announcing that the gunfire stemmed from a confrontation between rival gangs and left two innocent bystanders wounded.
Three suspects are now in custody, according to police.
The shooting happened Oct. 28 at the BP gas station on Southfield Road near 10 Mile. Both victims survived.
Police released video they say captures part of the shootout, which unfolded quickly just before 6 p.m. and sent customers running for cover.
“They’re firing inside, and then it transfers to outside,” Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren said.
Investigators say two groups exchanged gunfire, and that a fourth gunman may still be unidentified.
Southfield police say the suspects fled the scene in two vehicles:
- A gray Dodge Ram pickup, which investigators say included DeAngelo Brown Jr. of Sterling Heights and Amajou Dozier of Auburn Hills.
- A white BMW X5, which detectives say included Romello Johnson Jr. of Harper Woods — along with an unidentified fourth gunman.
Police described the shooting as gang-related, identifying the groups involved as “Exit 218” and “700.”
During the shootout, police say two innocent bystanders were struck. One victim was shot in the arm. A second victim was shot in the upper abdomen.
Police say the person shot in the arm is recovering. The second victim still has a bullet lodged near the heart, and doctors have told investigators it is too risky to remove.
Southfield police say the investigation stretched for weeks and involved the FBI and other agencies.
“These investigations was extensive,” Chief Barren said. “In fact, some of these suspects figured since they don’t live in our city, that maybe they could commit a crime here and then disappear to other cities and other states.”
FBI Detroit officials said violent crime remains a top priority.
“One of the FBI’s top priorities is focusing on preventing, investigating, and crushing violent crime,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Reuben Coleman with the FBI’s Detroit Field Office.
Investigators said they used a combination of traditional detective work and advanced surveillance technology to identify the suspects and the vehicles involved.
Police outlined the following arrests:
- Jan. 6: Dozier was arrested.
- Jan. 11: Johnson Jr. was taken into custody.
- This week (Wednesday): Brown Jr. was arrested by detectives and gang task force members.
Police say Brown Jr. was found with an AR-style pistol and a Glock handgun.
All three suspects are facing a range of charges, including felony assault and weapons offenses, police said.
“You come into our city, commit these crimes. We have some really good detectives here,” Chief Barren said.