DETROIT (WWJ) - A vacant home in Detroit has been a hot spot for crime against pizza delivery drivers after two people were robbed and another was shot and killed at the location in recent days, police said on Thursday.
Detroit police Commander Michael McGinnis addressed reporters in a press conference on Thursday afternoon and confirmed police were investigating three separate cases that all occurred at the same address on Lenore Street in the area of Telegraph and W McNichols Rd.
Authorities said they realized a connection when the second incident occurred.
“These incidents all involve victims who were pizza delivery drivers being robbed at gunpoint and sadly, the final incident resulted in that pizza driver being fatally shot by the offenders," McGinnis said.
McGinnis gave an outline of events, starting with the first incident which he said occurred on Saturday, Sept. 3. 9:30 p.m. The commander said a driver was out making a pizza delivery to the location when he was approached by two suspects.
The pair produced firearms and demanded money from the delivery driver. Once the victim complied, the suspects fled on foot.
The second incident happed two days later on Monday Sept. 5 around 8:30 p.m. shortly after an order was put in for a delivery to the address on Lenore Street.
“Same scenario," McGinnis said. "Pizza was ordered from a different food provider and when the driver arrived, he was approached by an individual who was armed with a gun.”
The commander said only one suspect was reported during this crime. They demanded money from the victim, who turned over what they had.
The suspect took the property and also fled on foot, McGinnis said.
Then on Wednesday, Sept. 7, a third pizza delivery was sent to the same home, but instead of robbery, it ended in gunfire, McGinnis said.
"When that victim arrived, who know there was a confrontation with the suspect and the victim was fatally shot," the commander confirmed.
Neighbors immediately called 911. As police arrived on scene, McGinnis said medics provided treatment to the victim, identified as Patrick Higgins, 62.
Higgins was rushed to a local hospital by medics where he died of his injuries, the commander added.
“We’d like to take the opportunity to express our condolences to the homicide victim's family," McGinnis said at the press conference. "I hope that they remain strong through this trying time, this will be very difficult for them.”
At this time, Detroit police said they are searching for the suspects described as two black males, between the ages of 16 and 20 years old -- one suspect has short black hair.
During one incident, McGinnis said the suspects were wearing T-shirts and blue jeans. In another incident, one had a dark blue jacket on.
Both were armed with handguns.
The commander said the suspects barely made off with any money they took during the robberies.
“It’s not much. Nowhere near worth, one, taking someone’s life and two, going to prison for a very long time," he added.
McGinnis said while he is unsure why the incidents escalated into homicide, but he is adamant Detroit police officers will find those involved.
"I can tell you, too, we’re going to catch this guy," the commander vowed. "The best thing for him to do is to surrender right now because we are going to catch him.”
Police said they believe the suspects will stop using the address on Lenore Street and are working to get the vacant home boarded up. Unfortunately, McGinnis said, the suspects or other offenders may take advantage of one of the many other vacant properties across the city.
The commander advised workers making food deliveries to be cautious and aware of their surroundings, especially at night.
"As you’re pulling up to a delivery, just be mindful of what’s around. Try to park in a lighted or lit area if possible," McGinnis said. "I would carry a flashlight if I was making deliveries at night. Communicate with your coworkers, with your friends, with your family. If something doesn’t feel right, then don’t make the delivery. Go back to the office and call the customer back and work something out that way."
The commander said installing cameras on the dashboard of the delivery vehicle can also help deter suspects.
McGinnis said officers are working on "a lot" of leads and have made significant progress working through the cases within the last day.
Anyone with any information about these crimes has been asked to call the Detroit Police Department’s 8th Precinct at 313-596-5840.
Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-773-2587.
Online submissions can be made here.