Police: Barricaded gunman with "arsenal of military weapons" in Detroit
(CBS DETROIT) - Detroit Police Department is on the scene of a barricaded gunman near the area of Joy Road and Robinson.
Chief James E. White said they believe the suspect has an "arsenal of military-grade weapons," and at least nine handguns registered to his name.
Thursday's situation began about 6:45 a.m. when police responded to a call of shots fired. Responding officers said they spotted one victim suffering from an obvious gunshot wound.
Chief White did not explicitly say the victim suffered fatal injuries, but when a reporter asked what the relationship was between the barricaded gunman and the deceased, Chief White said, "We think they are neighbors."
🚨BARRICADED UPDATE: Chief James E. White updates the community on a barricaded situation in the 8500 block of Robson on the city's west side. The barricaded gunman is reported to have an arsenal of weapons. He is alone in the home. It's imperative that residents shelter in place and motorists avoid the area as we respond to this ongoing situation and work toward a peaceful resolution. Our Special Response Team and Crisis Intervention Trained officers are on scene. #OneDetroit
Posted by Detroit Police Department on Thursday, November 17, 2022
Deputy Chief Franklin Hayes said the police department's Barricaded Persons Protocol was enacted shortly after the call was received. He said their Crisis Negotiation Team and a CIT officer are on site.
Chief White said the department also brought a behavioral health specialist and a family member to the scene. DPD said they are using every resource that they have and they hope to bring the situation to a peaceful resolution.
During the media update, Chief White said they believe the situation first started to escalate about a year ago when the suspect said his Amazon package had been delivered to the neighbor's home.
The suspect was unable to retrieve the package and a conflict followed. Police said that conflict eventually culminated with the now-barricaded gunman being charged with a misdemeanor and sentenced to 60 days in jail.
Police said they believe the suspect feels he was wrongfully charged, and that is what led to Thursday's shooting.
During this time, police are asking residents near the scene to shelter in place and encouraging everyone to avoid the area.
HAPPENING NOW: Deputy Chief Franklin Hayes provides information on a barricaded gunman in the area of Joy Road and Robson. Our Special Response Team is on scene along with officers working toward a peaceful resolution. **CAUTION** RESIDENTS PLEASE SHELTER IN PLACE AND EVERYONE AVOID THE AREA.
Posted by Detroit Police Department on Thursday, November 17, 2022