DETROIT (WWJ) – The search is on for a pair of suspects accused of shooting an 81-year-old man around 6 a.m. Wednesday after he nearly hit him with his car in the area of the Southfield Freeway and Fenkell on Detroit’s west side.
Police officials say the man was turning onto Asbury Park from Keeler Street when he nearly hit the suspects, who were trying to cross the street.
The elderly driver tried to roll down his window to apologize, and that’s when one of the suspects pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots at the car.
Authorities say the shooting appears to be random.
The man was shot in the hip and is expected to make a full recovery, according to police.
Assistant Police Chief Charles Harris says thanks to some “great detective work very early on,” investigators were able to identify two men considered to be people of interest in the case.
Doorbell camera footage from the neighborhood spotted them running past a house carrying a bag. Detectives were then able to track the men to a nearby gas station, where they were also seen with the bag, Harris said.
Authorities released photos of the men, showing one wearing a purple jacket with a character on it and the other in a dark hooded sweatshirt.
Anyone who recognizes the men or may have information about the shooting is asked to contact police. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-SPEAK-UP or visiting detroitrewards.tv.
Police Chief James White said this was one of two shootings involving the city's most vulnerable people. About three hours before the elderly man was shot, a 4-year-old boy was struck by gunfire while he slept in his bed on the city's west side.
Authorities say they have "a whole lot of nothing to go on" as they search for those responsible in that case.
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