Warren police investigating break-in, shooting at tobacco store

Scene is outside Tobacco Outlet on 9 Mile, west of Van Dyke

WARREN, Mich. – Gunfire erupted early Friday morning outside a tobacco store in Warren when police interrupted a break-in.

Warren Police Commissioner Jere Green said a nearby fast food worker saw the break-in happening at J&W Tobacco Outlet, which is off 9 Mile just west of Van Dyke, and called it in.

Police were there within minutes, but a blue minivan tried to speed away. Green said it appears the driver of the van might have tried to run over an officer -- that's when an officer started shooting at the van, striking two people.

They were taken to a hospital. A third person was taken into custody.

No police officers were hurt.

Eric Bric works at the Jimmy John's near the tobacco shop. He was in the parking lot heading into work when the shooting happened.

"I heard what sounded like a pack of fire crackers. I looked to my right and there were six cops running at the car with their guns drawn," he said. "It was crazy, not what I was expecting at six in the morning."

Green said just before the break-in off 9 Mile, there were at break-ins at another smoke shop and two credit unions.

Police are not yet confirming if they are connected, but Green said the van matches the description of a van that was used in the crimes.

Stay with Local 4 News and ClickOnDetroit.com for updates to this developing story.


About the Authors

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.

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