Activist Wants Charges Dropped In Detroit Gas Station Santa Shooting
DETROIT (WWJ) - A community activist is calling on the Wayne County Prosecutor to drop charges against a man who allegedly shot two men at a Detroit gas station while dressed in a Santa suit.
David Alexander Bullock — spokesperson for the group Change Agent Consortium — says the shooter, Marcus Weldon, has a license to carry a concealed weapon and "was under attack" when he opened fire.
"He didn't break any laws; he defended himself and his co-worker," Bullock said, in a media release. "(Detroit Police) Chief (James) Craig has publicly asked citizens to arm themselves; Marcus was simply following the recommendation of Detroit's top cop."
"The life of another innocent black youth should not be destroyed by our legal system. We stand with his parents, his pastor and the facts and ask that the charges against him be dropped," Bullock said.
Weldon, 26, was arraigned Dec. 23 on two counts of assault with intent to murder, two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm, two counts of felonious assault, and felony firearm in connection with the incident that occurred early in the morning of Dec. 21.
According to police, Weldon engaged in a "heated verbal exchange" with a customer at the Speedway gas station, in the 700 block of Jefferson Ave, before firing several shots, wounding two 29-year-old men.
Weldon fled the scene, but was arrested by police officers at short time later, still dressed head to toe in a Santa Claus costume.
The victims were taken to a local hospital for treatment, but survived the attack.
According to police, the argument was over Marcus' girlfriend.