Police comb stretch of I-94 for evidence in string of Detroit freeway shootings

Fourth shooting reported near I-94 and French Road

DETROIT – The westbound lanes of I-94 closed Monday morning at Conner Street as investigators combed the area for evidence in four separate shootings on freeways that happened early Thursday morning.

Law enforcement officers walked a one-mile stretch of I-94 for about 90 minutes.

While materials were collected into an evidence bag, police haven't indicated that anything conclusive was discovered.

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All westbound lanes of I-94 closed at 11 a.m. from Conner Street to Gratiot Avenue. They have since reopened.

After the sweep, Michigan State Police troopers were expected to close the westbound lanes of I-96 from Livernois Avenue to the Davidson, but have called off the search due to snow. 

Early Thursday morning, in separate incidents, two men called police after a vehicle pulled up alongside them and someone started shooting.

On Westbound I-94 and Gratiot Avenue, a Chesterfield man driving to work was shot in the leg. He was rushed to a hospital and will recover.

Shortly after that, a Northville man driving home from work was shot at on Westbound I-96 and Davidson. He was not hit, but his vehicle was damaged.

Later that day, a third man went to state police saying he too was shot at on I-96 and Livernois Avenue.

Now, a fourth person has come forward. Michigan State Police said detectives interviewed a person from Southfield who said her car was struck by gunfire on I-94 and French Road during the same timeframe as the other three shootings. Police say she was not hit.

Police say the victims are not related, but the locations and timeline lead investigators to believe the shootings are connected.

Michigan State Police are still looking for a silver or gray sedan that may have been involved.

Related: Victim of Detroit freeway shooting shares new details

Anyone who has information, who witnessed these incidents or whose vehicle was struck Thursday is asked to call MSP.

Michigan State Police said they continue to have additional patrols on the freeways in the city of Detroit.


About the Authors:

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.