Bass Player Killed Following Church Service In Detroit; Carjackers Make Off With SUV Full Of Christmas Presents
DETROIT (WWJ) - Police say a man was killed as he was leaving a Christmas Eve church service on Detroit's east side, and the carjackers made off with an SUV full of presents for his children.
The incident unfolded around 9:30 p.m. Thursday in the area of Gratiot and State Fair Avenue.
Police have not yet released the victim's name, but he was identified by family members as 33-year-old Anthony Tolson -- a renowned bass player who has toured with artists such as Ne-Yo, Young Jeezy and Kelis.
Tolson, of Eastpointe, had just finished playing bass during service at Central Baptist Church in Detroit. His SUV was full of presents and he was headed to his mother's home, where his three children were staying.
But Tolson ran into trouble on the way and he never made it. Police say he was forced out of his SUV by two suspects. Shots were fired and the suspects then fled the scene in Tolson's vehicle. He was left in the street to die.
Other circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear. Police have not yet indicated if this crime was random or if Tolson was targeted. His SUV has not yet been recovered.
An investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact police at 313-596-2260 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
