ICE Officer 'Faced With A Threat' Fatally Shoots 20-Year-Old Man In Detroit
DETROIT (WWJ) - An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot and killed a 20-year-old man Monday afternoon on Detroit's northwest side.
Police say the agent — part of a fugitive task force involving ICE and officers with the Detroit Police Department — was attempting to serve an armed robbery warrant at a home in the 9500 block of Evergreen near W. Chicago when the shooting occurred.
"I am told there was no forced entry into the residence, that they were allowed inside," said Detroit Police Chief James Craig. "And I'm also told that the agent may have been faced with a threat, and it was at that point when he decided to use deadly force."
Craig would not talk more specifically about that alleged threat.
The suspect — a black man — had a prior criminal record including weapons charges, according to police.
WWJ's Russ McNamara reported Craig was "trying to calm" neighbors at the scene expressing anger and frustration as they demanded answers.
One woman shouted at the chief as she described what she claims happened.
"It was 10 bullets...and did it take 10 bullets? When he came out, they didn't have the handcuffs on him!" she said. "They shot him! He was not able to run to do nothin'. Y'all didn't give him a chance!"
Craig promised a thorough investigation.
"We're gonna interview all the witnesses. I can't say what happened inside that home," Craig said. "Let us do our job. We'll do it as quick as we can. I don't want this to be a two, three-month (investigation)."
"And at the appropriate time we'll turn our investigation over to the Wayne County Prosecutor's office who will make a decision on whether a crime was committed...That is not my decision," he added.
There were other people inside the home at the time of the shooting, but no one else was hurt — including members of the task force.
ICE spokesman Khaalid Walls released the following statement Monday evening: "During a multi-agency enforcement action today at a Detroit residence, an ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officer fatally wounded a fugitive wanted on state armed robbery and weapons charges.
"Any time an ICE officer or special agent discharges their firearm in the line of duty, the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility reviews the matter. Due to this ongoing review, no further details will be released at this time."
No names have been officially released, although the Detroit Coalition Against Police Brutality put out statement identifying the victim of the shooting as Terrence Kellom.
"In light of national incidents, we find this latest shooting appalling, distressing, and despicable that another young black man has to be killed in his house in front of his family with multiple gunshots," said coalition spokesperson Ron Scott. "The coalition is working with the family, and they will release a statement soon regarding this matter. We demand, and we will obtain, justice in this case."
With emotions running high in the neighborhood, Chief Craig said he would plan a community outreach meeting at a nearby church.
Note: WWJ and CBSDetroit.com earlier reported the suspect who was shot was 18 years old, based on erroneous information from the Associated Press. The story has been corrected.
