DETROIT – Detroit police are searching for a 13-year-old boy accused of shooting his father in the back before fleeing in the family’s vehicle with their dog.
The incident occurred on Tuesday (Aug. 11) around 5 p.m. in the 18,000 block of Bretton when officers responded to a reported disturbance, according to Dietrich Lever, commanding officer of the Detroit Police Department’s 8th Precinct.
When officers arrived, they learned the boy had allegedly shot his father before taking the family vehicle and leaving the scene, Lever said.
The family dog, described by police as a French mastiff, was also in the vehicle.
Police said the boy was last seen driving a gray 2026 Rivian with Michigan license plate FAX 8251.
He was traveling southbound on the Southfield Freeway toward Lincoln Park, according to police.
Officials are treating the teen as armed and dangerous and are urging anyone who sees him not to approach.
“Call 911, call the police and get us out there and let us take him into custody safely,” Lever said.
Police said the shooting appears to have followed an incident involving discipline.
Lever said the teen allegedly took offense when his father disciplined him and then shot him when the father returned home.
Officials did not immediately know where the teen obtained the firearm or whether it belonged to his father.
Police also did not have information about what the teen was wearing when he fled.
Lever said there is no immediate threat to residents in the neighborhood and described the area as generally safe.
“We are on the lookout to take him into custody quickly to put this to rest soon,” Lever said.
The father’s condition was not released.
Police said the information remains preliminary and could change as the investigation continues.
Anyone who spots the teen or the vehicle should not approach him and should immediately call 911.