DETROIT – Detroit police Chief Todd Bettison said investigators have a suspect or person of interest involved in a double homicide on the city’s east side and expect an arrest soon, while also addressing a separate carjacking involving a UPS truck earlier in the day.
Bettison said officers are investigating the double fatal shooting on Courville Street on Wednesday (May 20) and are working to quickly identify and apprehend a suspect.
“We have a suspect or a person of interest, and we expect to have them in custody shortly,” Bettison said. “It’s hard to commit a crime and get away with it now.”
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Investigators are relying on technology and surveillance tools to help solve violent crimes, and detectives were actively working the scene, Bettison said.
Bettison also acknowledged reports of a separate UPS carjacking on Everts Street, but said he was not immediately familiar with that case.
He said carjacking incidents in the city overall have declined significantly.
“Our carjacking numbers, we used to have like 800 a year. Last year we had 77, and this year we’re even trending lower,” Bettison said.
Bettison credited license plate readers, Flock cameras, and the city’s Project Green Light program for helping reduce incidents and improve response times.
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Oakland County carjacking leaves mother wounded
The UPS carjacking followed a separate incident in Oakland County on Tuesday, when a mother was shot in front of her son before the suspect fled in her vehicle.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said a 25-year-old Ann Arbor man appeared to have been waiting in a parking lot before targeting the woman, who was walking with her young son.
The victim, a woman in her 40s, was shot in the hip and taken into surgery Tuesday night.
Bouchard said the bullet came dangerously close to a major artery.
‘She’s lost a lot of blood’: Mom shot in front of her son in Oakland County carjacking survives
Bettison said authorities expect to make arrests in both the double homicide and the UPS carjacking cases.
“I expect to have the individual in custody soon,” Bettison said.
Bettison urges public awareness
Bettison also urged drivers to stay alert and avoid distractions.
“Always keep your head on a swivel,” Bettison said. “Don’t have your face down in your cell phone. Pay attention to your surroundings. If you see something out of place, keep going and trust your gut.”
Bettison made the remarks while participating in a neighborhood outreach event called Walk a Mile Wednesday, during which he said residents of all ages engaged with police officers.
“Our men and women are doing a great job,” Bettison said.