INKSTER, Mich. – A 19-year-old man was shot by Michigan State Police after a brief chase in Inkster that ended with a crash that killed another driver, authorities said.
Troopers were preparing to execute a search warrant around 2:45 p.m. Friday at a home tied to a homicide investigation and suspected drug activity when a man left the home, got into an SUV with a female passenger, and drove off, state police said.
Troopers tried to stop the SUV, but the man fled and ran a red light at Middlebelt Road and Parkwood Street, striking another vehicle, police said.
The driver of the struck vehicle, the sole occupant, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Linda Brooks, who lives in an apartment across the street from where the crash happened, said she heard a “huge sound” and then saw the man get out of the SUV and run.
“Police officers got out of the car, and then I saw somebody run from that gray car that’s down there and go across the grass toward — going down the street — and I heard bang bang bang bang,” Brooks said.
State police said troopers fired as the suspect fled on foot, striking him in the lower body. He was taken to a hospital and was in stable condition.
Ali Tarraf, who said he was at a nearby auto shop when the crash happened, said witnessing it was jarring.
“It doesn’t seem like real until you see it happen,” Tarraf said. “You see about this stuff on the news and stuff. I’ve never seen it live.”
State police said two handguns were recovered from the suspect.
The female passenger in the SUV was also injured and taken to a hospital.
Lt. Mike Shaw said the suspect may be connected to the shooting deaths of two teens, ages 15 and 17, found on Penn Street in Inkster early Sunday (April 12).
“It’s a little too early to find out if he fired shots or if he was just armed or exactly what happened,” Shaw said, adding that investigators will review body-camera video.
The troopers involved were placed on administrative leave, as required by policy.
The Michigan State Police Third District Investigative Response Team is investigating, and the case will be reviewed by the state attorney general after the investigation is complete.