DETROIT (WWJ) – Detroit police are investigating multiple shooting incidents over what was a violent weekend in the city.
On what was the first weekend of warm weather this spring, Detroit police officials say there were at least six shootings -- five in Greektown and one near the Riverwalk -- that left two people dead and several injured, including multiple shootings downtown.
Detroit Police Chief James White said during a press conference Monday afternoon “literally everyone who pulled a trigger downtown was arrested.”
Around midnight on Friday into Saturday – just a day after a shootout on the city’s west side – Detroit police officers on patrol were parked near Greektown when they heard shots ring out near a parking structure in the area of Randolph and Monroe.
When officers saw two suspects running from the scene, they entered the parking structure, where more than 50 people were inside. White said the officers never lost sight of the suspects.
After ordering the suspect to drop his weapon, he continued to run to a car driven by another person. As the suspect turned to the officers with his weapon, the officer fired one shot, striking the suspect as he got into the car.
A short time later the suspect was dropped off at a hospital, where police took him into custody. White said the suspect remained in custody while receiving treatment on Monday. The shooting is under investigation by the Homicide Task Force, including members of the Michigan State Police.
“I believe that could have been a lot worse,” White said of the incident.
One person was killed and two others were injured in the incident, which allegedly stemmed from a thrown drink, according to reports. Authorities have not released information about the victims.
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On Saturday night a security guard working at a store on Monroe Street in Greektown was killed after a dispute involving someone who cut in line. Mayor Mike Duggan identified the man as Darryl Straughter, who has worked in the area for a long time.
He was a "beloved, longtime member of the Greektown" and he was known for his "kindness and gentleness."
White said he reviewed the video of the incident and described it as “simply tragic.”
After the “cutting” incident inside the store, Straughter was attempting to remedy the situation. While the person who cut in line apologized, the incident boiled over outside.
With several officers in the area, the suspect took a small caliber weapon out of his pocket and shot Straughter in the chest, “unprovoked.” Duggan said Straughter was standing "calmly" on the street and there was no argument or altercation before the shooting.
The suspect and his girlfriend were both arrested. Their names have not been released.
About an hour after the shooting in Greektown, more shots rang out in the area of Atwater and Rivard, near the Detroit Riverwalk. A man and a woman were shot. A suspect was taken into custody.
While Duggan said there were five shootings in Greektown, authorities have not released any details about the other shootings.
The downtown violence comes as “hundreds of people” were out enjoying themselves with their families this weekend. Duggan noted he spent most of the day Saturday in the Greektown area and described the mood as "mostly joyful."
Officials discussed plans to step up police enforcement as the summer season gets underway. White plans to hold another press conference later this week to detail those efforts.
Police will also step up enforcement of the citywide curfew for minors, which goes into effect at 10 p.m. for those 15 and younger, and 11 p.m. for 16-17-year-olds and lasts until 6 a.m.
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