DETROIT – Questions remain about a downtown Detroit shooting that left one person in critical condition Monday, just hours before the Ford Fireworks show.
Detroit police say the incident began when officers spotted a 19-year-old with a rifle and arrested him.
A second man in the same group, who police say was also armed, ran from officers and was eventually shot.
The shooting happened near an apartment complex near Bates and Farmer streets.
Demetrius, a resident who lives on the fifth floor, said he was on the phone when he heard gunfire.
“I’m talking to my brother on the phone, ‘like I just seen some girls I’m trying to kick it with, blah, blah,’” Demetrius said. “Then I heard some shots. I look out the window. I kinda seen the guy running. They shot him, and he fell.”
He described the scene as “crazy,” with a large police presence quickly converging on the area.
According to the Detroit Police Department, officers first arrested the 19-year-old with the rifle.
While that arrest was underway, another person in the group began walking away.
Police say officers noticed that the person was armed and tried to take them into custody.
The person ran, and officers chased them.
DPD says an officer, fearing for his safety and the safety of the public, fired his weapon and hit the person several times. The man was taken to a hospital in critical condition.
Local 4 contacted Detroit police multiple times on Tuesday (June 23) seeking additional details, including asking them eight questions.
Three were about:
- The identity of the suspect who was shot.
- What specific actions led the officer to fear for his safety?
- How long the department expects the investigation to take?
Requests were made by email and phone, but the department had not responded as of Tuesday evening.
Mayor Mary Sheffield addressed the shooting briefly on Tuesday morning.
“You had someone come down possibly with illegal guns, and it was just an unfortunate situation, and it just could have been worse,” Sheffield said. “So I know DPD is being briefed and an investigation is taking place now.”
Teferi Brent, the senior director in the mayor’s office of neighborhood and community safety, didn’t discuss the shooting from Monday night but said that, aside from the shooting, the night was a success.
“The chief and I were talking about this; we had the fewest amount of fights we’ve ever had,” Brent said, referring to the night.
Brent said he and others with the city worked to make the Ford Fireworks show safe for everyone.
Even foiling a teen takeover that was scheduled for Monday.
“One of their most influential leaders was organizing a so-called teen takeover during the fireworks, and our CVI leaders were able to engage him have a healthy conversation with him and kind of redirect his efforts,” Brent said.
And Brent said one of the biggest approaches they’re taking to engage teens is treating them with respect.
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