DETROIT (WWJ) -- Detroit Police Chief James E. White shared new details on an officer-involved shooting at a gas station on the city's northwest side, calling the situation "very unusual."
According to Chief White, at 7:20 a.m. Monday, the suspect -- a man in his 30s -- entered a Citgo gas station store on 8 Mile and Berg Rd, just east of Telegraph.
White described the man as "heavily armed," carrying a gun, and extended clip and two other clips.
Locking the door behind him, officials say the suspect seemed to be moving erratically, looking around the store and pacing back and forth.
The only other person in the business was the gas station clerk, who called 911.
At one point, a woman from the area walked up to the front entrance. The suspect allegedly went to the door and gestured with the gun, waving the woman away. She then called 911 as well.
Chief White said police and fire rescue responded within 10 minutes. With their weapons concealed -- per protocol -- officers approached the door, where the suspect was said to be standing with the gun in his hand.
"It appears that he points the weapon at the officer," Chief White said, referring to video footage, either from body cameras or from Project Greenlight cameras at the gas station.
According to White, an officer can be heard in a recording, yelling "Drop the weapon! Drop the weapon!" before firing approximately four to five shots at the suspect.
The suspect was hit. He was then transported to an area hospital where he is said to be alert and talking, but in serious condition. Chief White said he believed the man was heading into surgery.
"Unfortunately, we had to use force and that's never something that we desire to do, but it's part of the job," Chief White said. "When we have to do it, the best outcome is when there's not a fatality, and in this instance, it was not a fatality."
White also told reporters that the man did not shoot at police and that no officers or other civilians were hurt during the encounter.
Authorities say that while the suspect has a criminal record, none of his previous offenses are as serious as the current situation. Police are also unsure of the man's motive at this time.
The officer who shot the suspect has been with DPD for seven years, per Chief White.
Chief White called the events "very unusual," and hopes the footage from the Project Greenlight cameras will give investigators a clearer idea of what happened.
WWJ's Charlie Langton reported live from the scene this morning, where law enforcement had blocked off Berg Rd and all but one lane of Eight Mile to collect evidence and conduct an investigation.
Langton also spoke to Rhonda Jackson, who witnessed part of the commotion.
"The gas station seemed like it was locked. I didn't see anybody out there," Jackson said. "When I first came to the stop, I saw one officer. He had his gun drawn, and then... all the other officers just started doing the same."
WWJ Newsradio 950 will have the latest updates as more information becomes available. >>> LISTEN LIVE!
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