DETROIT (WWJ) -- Detroit's police chief is apologizing after officers interrupted a sacred Native American ceremony while responding to reports of a fire.
After Michigan State Police troopers spotted a bonfire from their helicopters, Detroit police were notified and arrived on scene at Rouge Park on the city's northwest side at approximately 8 p.m. last Friday.
Upon arrival, police found out that it was a native surgarbush ceremony, but according to officials, the organizer of the event had an expired permit and no evidence of a fire permit and proof of insurance.
The department said the officers were only responding to the reported bonfire and did not intend to break up a sacred ceremony.
No one was arrested or detained.
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“On behalf of the Detroit Police Department, we would like to apologize for the interruption of a sacred ceremony,” Chief James E. White said. "I am very proud of the Detroit Police Department for having an incredibly diverse workforce, however, we can always do better to address these types of incidents. I’ve been in contact with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, state and local elected officials, and community members."
In a statement, White said he has reached out to the department's diversity, equity and inclusion manager and plans to meet with Senator Adam Hollier and the Native American community to learn from this situation.
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