SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) — An investigation is underway after a 15-year-old boy was shot in the head at a Southfield hotel Sunday morning as he and two other teens were staying in a room without adult supervision.
Southfield police were called to the Westin Hotel near Northwestern Highway and Evergreen Road around 8:40 a.m. Sunday after getting reports of shots fired.
When officers showed up they found the boy suffering a gunshot would and attempted life-saving measures before taking him to the hospital.
Police officials said the victim, from Ferndale, is not expected to survive and was listed in "critical - nonsurvivable condition" as of Monday afternoon.
Investigators believe the teen was with two other 15-year-olds in a room believed to have been booked by an adult.
Two handguns were located in the waistband of one of the other teens, a 15-year-old Detroit resident who was taken into police custody. The third juvenile was identified as a Southfield resident, but their age was not released.
The teen in custody is expected to be charged with two counts of carrying a concealed weapon in connection with the shooting. Further charges may be announced, including against the adult whose identity has not been disclosed.
During a Monday afternoon press conference, Southfield Police Chief Elven Barren said the Detroit boy was in possession of what is believed to be the murder weapon, but he stopped short of referring to him as the shooter, as the investigation remains open.
While further circumstances surrounding the shooting have not been released, including whether it was accidental, Barren said authorities are still looking into how the boys were left in the hotel room unsupervised with access to weapons.
"We see these things play out time and time again and the story remains the same — where is the parental supervision and how did these teens get access to weapons?" the chief said. "I classify this as something that was totally preventable."
The victim attended Loyola High School. Counselors were at the school this morning and will remain at the school all week to help classmates as needed.
Anyone who knows something about the hotel shooting is asked to call the Southfield Police Department at (248)- 796-5500 and reference case number 24-5073.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest updates as they become available. >>> LISTEN LIVE!