An 18-year veteran of the Detroit Police Department has died after being involved in a shooting Wednesday on Detroit's west side.
"Today is a tragic day for the Detroit police family," Detroit Police Chief James Craig said while addressing media outside of Sinai-Grace Hospital.
Two police officers from Detroit's 12th Precinct were shot when responding to a report of a home invasion.
Craig said that once officers arrived on scene, occupants in the home began frantically running out of the home because of a suspect inside the home with a high-powered rifle.
Additional officers were called and four total officers made entry into the home in search of the suspect. While clearing the top floor of the home, officers did not locate the suspect. As they were heading down the stairs of the home, the suspect began to open fire on the officers.
One officer, a three-year veteran on the force, was shot in his left leg. An 18-year veteran on the force sustained a single gunshot wound to his neck. He died from his injuries at Sinai-Grace Hospital.
Police say the suspect is now in custody.
Chief Craig said that one officer was able to return fire on the suspect, who was struck and injured. His condition is serious. The chief adds that the suspect has a fairly lengthy criminal history involving weapons charges.
"We lost a hero," said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. "These nights are the worst part of the job for the chief and me. I think it's a night for Detroiters to reflect on what these police officers mean to us."
The three-year veteran is currently in serious condition at Sinai-Grace.
This article was written by Cara Ball for WXYZ.
