Detroit police say fatal gas station shootout started over money

DETROIT (WJBK) - Detroit police say a fatal shootout at a gas station on the city's west side Monday night started after a fight over money.

Gunfire erupted around 11 p.m.  in the BP gas station at Outer Drive and Schoolcraft Road. Investigators say the victim was shot inside the gas station, stumbled outside and died. Detroit Assistant Chief of Police, Steve Dolunt tells Fox 2 the two men knew each other. He tells fox 2 the suspected shooter owed the victim money.

Tracie Stafford is the aunt of the man who was killed. She said her 23-year-old nephew, Cortez Stafford, was killed in a senseless act of violence.

"My nephew's gone for no reason. Senseless" Stafford said.

Police said there were about 10 shots fired inside the gas station, from the freezer to the wall, and Stafford was shot in the chest.

"You got bullet holes in the freezer, you got bullet holes over there. Life these days, it's not worth anything. And it's a shame it's like that," BP Customer Larry Ball said.

Assistant Police Chief Steve Dolunt said after being shot, Stafford stumbled outside and passed away. They say the suspected shooter, who knew Stafford, owed him money.

"You don't have to kill someone over a debt and now we have another person deceased and a family is going to ring in the New Year with one less family member," Dolunt said.

After reviewing surveillance video and talking with witnesses police say they have one person in custody Tuesday afternoon.

Stafford's family says the suspected shooter would stop by their home daily and the considered him to be family.

"Every day they'd be together, like brothers. They used to call themselves brothers, and we was family." Stafford said.

Police have not released the name of the man they have in custody for the shooting.