Detroit Police Prepare For Gang Retaliation After Deadly Shooting At Cinco De Mayo Parade
DETROIT (WWJ) - Police have increased their presence in southwest Detroit, preparing for possible gang retaliation following a fatal shooting during the city's 50th annual Cinco de Mayo parade.
An unnamed officer said they're "going to be ready for anything" after 19-year-old Andres DeJesus was shot along West Vernor Highway and Ferdinand Street around 1:15 p.m. Sunday.
A 24-year-old man is in police custody but has not yet been charged. The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said Monday that it's reviewing a warrant request in the case.
According to police, DeJesus was among a group of people attacking a family member of the shooter when the gunman, who has a concealed pistol license, opened fire in front of Brown's Bun Bakery. DeJesus was the only person hit with a bullet.
Dejesus, the father of a 2-year-old boy who was expecting a second child, was rushed to the hospital where he was declared dead. A medical examiner said he died from a single gunshot wound to the chest.
Police say DeJesus is affiliated with the Latin Counts street gang, and that's why they're increasing patrols -- in case of retaliation. But some residents who live in the neighborhood, like David Sanchez, aren't pleased with the noticeable increase of police.
"Increased security? No, you know, this happens everywhere," Sanchez told WWJ's Mike Campbell. "Driving around last night and the day before, it's like a police state or something. I don't think that's really what we need."
Police cancelled the remainder of Sunday's annual celebration after the shooting. Organizers of the Cinco de Mayo parade, which typically draws about 40,000 spectators, said the fate of next year's event is up in the air after this recent outbreak of violence.
An investigation is ongoing.
