WAYNE (WWJ) -- Wayne Police say the “heroic actions” of church staff members averted a mass shooting during Sunday services.
In a press conference, The City of Wayne Police Department said their department received multiple 911 calls regarding an active shooter at Crosspointe Community Church, on Glenwood near S. Newburgh Road, on Sunday, June 22. The first call came at 11:06 a.m., according to police.
“The suspect exited his vehicle, wearing a tactical vest, armed with a long gun and a handgun,” Police Chief Ryan Strong said during the press conference. “He approached the church building and began firing his weapon.”
“Several” church members approached the gunman, according to Strong.
“A parishioner struck the gunman with his vehicle as the gunman shot the vehicle repeatedly,” Strong said.
Police said the suspect shot one church staff member in the leg.
“At least two staff members” fired at the suspect and killed him, according to Strong.
Dustin Fuoco, who works for 97.1 The Ticket and WWJ, was inside the church at the time of the shooting. He told WWJ's Chris Keyzer he was operating the church's sound board when the gunfire rang out.
"Everyone from the church starts to evacuate," Fuoco said. "My wife and my newborn child, they were in the baby room right below me, so I ran right down there to check on them ... very panicked moments as that room was empty, no signs of them. So, I ran outside and for a good 15 minutes or so I didn't know where my wife or my child was."
Fuoco said the parishioners congregated in a nearby woods. "Absolute panic, feared the worst," he said. "I asked every single person that I encountered of they know what happened to the people in the baby room, if they saw my wife — just, just total panic."
After praying with another member of the church, Fuoco said he soon found his wife and baby unharmed in the woods.
The suspect is identified as 31-year-old Brian Browning of Romulus, who was "apparently having a mental health crisis.” Wayne Police — with the help of state, local and federal agencies — continue to investigate any further motive.
Police said Browning's mother is a member of the church and he had attended two or three services in the last year.
Authorities said the injured staff member is awaiting surgery, but his injuries are not life-threatening.
“We are grateful for the heroic actions of the church’s staff members who undoubtedly saved many lives and prevented a large-scale mass shooting,” Strong said. “…Their actions prevented dozens of people from being murdered today.”
This is a developing story. Keep it tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 on air, online and on the Audacy app for the latest information.