MACOMB COUNTY (WWJ) - A shootout between families following a heated child custody hearing ended with two people and a business struck by gunfire and vehicle crashing into an Eastpointe restaurant.
The Eastpointe Police Department said the incident began after two families were leaving a child custody hearing around 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug.1 at 16th Circuit Court in Mt. Clemens.
According to police, one of the parents was upset with the outcome of the hearing.
When the second parent, along with other family members, left Mt. Clemens, they were followed by family from the other party into the City of Eastpointe until an altercation occurred on Gratiot, near Bell, when gunfire erupted between the two families.
"One person sustained a gunshot wound to the arm and was taken to the hospital for treatment," Eastpointe police said in a prepared statement. "The other person sustained a graze wound to the head. This person was treated at the scene and declined further medical attention."
The shootout also led to several windows being busted by stray bullets at a nearby business and damage to Grady’s Lounge in the city of Roseville after one of the drivers crashed into it.
The victims remained at the scene and cooperated with police. The suspect fled the area and was being pursued by undercover Eastpointe cops when Michigan State Police's Aviation Unit, Trooper 2, was requested to help.
Troopers identified the suspect as a 30-year-old Detroit resident.
State police, with the help of the helicopter crew, were able to track the suspect down to the parking lot of Ford Motor Company located at Schaefer and Plant Roads in Dearborn, around 9: 20 p.m. the same day.
The driver attempted to flee from troopers, but a trooper performed a PIT maneuver in their patrol car and stopped the suspect's vehicle.
"The suspect was taken into custody without incident and turned over to Eastpointe PD detectives on scene," MSP said of the incident. "There were no injuries reported by police or the suspect."
Eastpointe police added that they are expecting to hand the case over to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office who will decided on charges.
Eastpointe authorities thanked MSP, the aviation unit, the Detroit Intelligence Unit and the Roseville Police Department for assistance in capturing the suspect.
MSP 1st Lt. Mike Shaw said partnerships like the one that occurred on Tuesday only benefit the residents of Michigan and help keep communities safe.
“Criminals do not recognize city or county limits when they commit crimes against our communities," Shaw said. "We will continue to provide all of our available resources to our partners to help build a Michigan where everyone feels safe and secure."
Authorities are still taking tips related to the case. Anyone who witnessed the incident is encouraged to contact Detective Showers at (586) 445-9415.