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Detroit mayor: 'Extremely tragic' circumstances in latest police shooting
Both the mayor and the chief of police in Detroit called the latest shooting involving DPD officers tragic following the department's response to a gunman threatening suicide Monday afternoon. He opened fire on two officers before he was fatally struck, chief James White said in the early afternoon.
DETROIT (FOX 2) - An off-duty officer threatening suicide was fatally shot by a member of the Detroit Police Department after the gunman opened fire Monday afternoon, chief James White said.
Calling the scene a "very tragic situation" and proof that even police are not immune to the mental health challenges that come with the job, the police chief said two DPD officers were injured while responding to reports of a suicide in progress.
During a press conference, he added both are expected to make a full recovery.
Speaking near where the incident took place on the Davison Service Drive, White said officers with the 11th Precinct first responded to a 911 call on St. Aubin within five minutes of it being placed at 2:26 p.m. When they arrived, they took cover after hearing gunshots.
At that time, police identified the shooter as a member of their department who was in the midst of a mental crisis.
The shooter targeted both officers who were behind a vehicle, striking one in the thigh and another in the leg, White said, adding one officer returned fire, killing the shooter.
"The worst call I get is the one that says officers have been shot," Mayor Mike Duggan said alongside White. "We are fortunate today that the two officers who were responding appear their injuries are not life-threatening - but a reminder of courage officers show every day."
He added the tragedy is a "reminder (that) every Detroiter should be enormously grateful for the commitment and the service of the men and women of this department."
White declined to give specifics on the officer, only saying he was 45 years old and had been with the department for 13 years. Part of that time was spent with the Special Response Team (SRT), the unit tasked with responding to the most sensitive situations that police come across.
The officer had been off work because of a physical ailment but had returned to work on Oct. 3, which the department believed was a sign things had been improving for him. Police were not aware he was struggling with mental health issues.
The shooter was off-duty at the time of the incident, but he was in uniform, White said.
Michigan State Police are now overseeing the investigation, which is standard practice for any incidents involving officer-involved shootings.
If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255. Or text to 741-741
CLICK HERE for the warning signs and risk factors of suicide. Call 1-800-273-TALK for free and confidential emotional support.