INKSTER (WWJ) – Two Dearborn Police officers have been released from the hospital after they were shot while trying to make an arrest early Friday morning.
The Dearborn Police Department says the shooting happened at approximately 2:30 a.m., in the area of Inkster Road and Van Born Road, on the border of Romulus and Taylor.
The incident started around 2:15 a.m. when officers were called to the Pantheoon Club for what was reported to be a man with a gun arguing with people, Police Chief Issa Shahin told reporters during a news conference late Friday morning. Special investigations officers followed the tow truck driver, 32 from Detroit, to the gas station and that's when gunfire rang out.
"As they attempted to take the subject into custody, they were immediately met with gunfire and two Dearborn police officers were struck," according to Shahin. "Several officers on scene returned gunfire."
WWJ's Luke Sloan
The suspect drove away and threw two guns out the window. He ultimately pulled over on Stanford Street and that's when officers noticed he was shot. The suspect, who Shahin says has a lengthy criminal record, is in critical condition.
The Dearborn officers were treated and released. One was shot in the chest and arm, the second was shot in the shoulder.
"I'm extremely grateful that our officers have been released from the hospital and recovering," Shahin said. But, showing a bullet proof vest that was hit by two bullets, Shahin said "this could have easily been a fatal encounter for my officers, our officers are very lucky, it's a small miracle that they're going to be okay."
The officers are on paid administrative leave.
Dearborn Police say the investigation is ongoing. The Michigan State Police has also been requested to conduct the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
This is a developing news story.
