Detroit police on edge after Baton Rouge ambush

DETROIT (WJBK) - Three more law enforcement officers were killed this weekend in an ambush in Baton Rouge. That brings the total killed to eight in less than a week. Now, police in Metro Detroit are concerned about the growing animosity.

Police in New Orleans say the killer is Gavin Long, originally from Kansas City, and was carrying extra ammo when he ambushed the officers. Three police officers were killed including Montrell Jackson, a Michigan native. Just days before his murder, he posted a touching Facebook message urging people not to let hate into their heart.

The nation is reeling from yet another spout of violence. Assistant Police Chief Steve Dolunt said officers in Detroit are extra aware of what's happening around them.

"Our officers are being vigilant. They're trying to be more aware of their surroundings," Dolunt said.

This is the second shooting of police in ten days, both of which have Michigan connections. Dallas Police Officer Michael Krol will be laid to rest on Tuesday. Krol, a Redford native, was gunned down by a sniper while working a peaceful protest in Dallas.

His funeral is planned for Tuesday and Police are tightening security as hundreds of police converge on the city.

"Southwest Airlines is bringing in 200 Dallas officers for the funeral and Wayne County is coordinating the funeral but we're assisting Wayne County and Redford for that," Dolunt said.

Relations between police and the community have been tense for months but especially so in the wake of two police-involved shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota.

"It's not a good atmosphere for law enforcement right now but without law enforcement, It would be anarchy," Dolunt said. "We're cautious. We're on edge. You're on edge."

Michigan State Police Lieutenant Mike Shaw says his troopers are doing the same as Detroit's police: they're extremely vigilant.

"We have a job to do," Shaw said. "You can't use some of the rhetoric that we have seen. We all know that anytime something may occur (and) that we're one shooting away from something from happening here."

While local police say they do feel more on edge, they say the community has been easing that tension.

"The community has been fantastic with us. They really have been. They have our back and I think they believe we have their back too," Dolunt said.

Bottom line, they say to ask, trust, and believe in them.