DETROIT – Neighbors along a normally quiet stretch of Detroit’s west side said they were shaken Tuesday night after police said a 13-year-old boy shot his father and fled the area in the family’s SUV — along with the family dog.
The teen was arrested in Ohio alongside another individual on Tuesday (Aug. 11).
“It’s the first time I’ve ever heard of anybody getting shot. On this block,” said Jerry King, who said he has lived in the neighborhood since 1997.
Detroit police said the shooting happened about 5 p.m. in the 18000 block of Bretton Drive, where officers were called for a disturbance.
When they arrived, they learned the teen had allegedly shot his father twice in the back before taking off in the family vehicle, said Dietrich Lever, commanding officer of the Detroit Police Department’s 8th Precinct.
“I believe there was an instance of discipline, and he took offense; he, being the suspect, took offense when his father came home and shot him. Shot at him two times, striking him in the back,” Lever said.
Residents said they were stunned to learn the shooting involved a child.
“I’ve lived in this neighborhood for over 36 years and just trying to understand or trying to grasp what is he going through?” said Elizabeth Ashford, who lives near the scene.
Ashford said a neighbor found the father after the shooting and called 911.
“Unfortunately, one of my neighbors that I’m very close with found the gentleman, and he stayed with him until paramedics came,” she said.
Before his arrest, police said the boy was last seen driving a gray 2026 Rivian with Michigan license plate FAX 8251 and traveling southbound on the Southfield Freeway toward Lincoln Park.
Police said the family dog, described as a French mastiff, was also in the vehicle.
Authorities said the teen was to be considered armed and dangerous and urged anyone who saw him not to approach.
“Call 911, call the police and get us out there and let us take him into custody safely,” Lever said before his arrest.
Police said they did not know where the teen obtained the gun or whether it belonged to his father.
They also said they did not have information about what the teen was wearing when he fled, before his arrest in Ohio.
While Lever said there was no immediate threat to the neighborhood and described the area as generally safe, neighbors said the shooting raised concerns about firearms in homes.
“You hear it all the time: keep your guns locked up. If you got guns, keep them locked up,” King said.