LIVONIA, Mich. – Neighbors on St. Francis Street described a chaotic Sunday evening after reports of a residential explosion, a fire and an officer-involved shooting left their block swarming with emergency crews and police.
Livonia police and the Livonia Fire Department responded to the 20000 block of St. Francis Street at approximately 7 p.m. Sunday (June 28) following reports of a residential explosion and fire.
“It was really crazy yesterday,” said Valerie Newland, who lives on St. Francis Street.
Stephanie Day lives next door to where the incident began.
“We went to the fireworks; when we got back, the whole street was filled with police officers,” Day said.
A 911 caller also reported significant damage to the home.
“We have one neighbor that says two holes just blew through the roof,” the caller said.
What investigators found
After the fire was extinguished, officers searched the residence and confirmed no one was inside.
Upon further investigation, police say it appeared gas lines to the home had been cut, a detail that prompted an arson investigation.
While checking the surrounding area, officers located the homeowner, a 61-year-old Livonia man who lived alone, armed with a handgun in a neighboring backyard.
Officers attempted to negotiate with the man.
When he raised his handgun toward officers, one officer fired, striking him.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
No Livonia Police officers were injured.
Neighbors remember the man
Day said the news of what happened was difficult to process.
“He was a great neighbor,” she said. “He was always looking out for us. Never would’ve expected anything like this to happen.”
Two investigations underway
As of Sunday night, two separate investigations were underway. Livonia Police are investigating the suspected arson at the home.
Per protocol, Michigan State Police were called in to conduct the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, which remains ongoing.
Neighbors also said the man had recently been hospitalized and may have been dealing with an illness, something investigators say is part of the ongoing inquiry into what led to the series of events.
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