Man fatally shot by police on Detroit's west side
DETROIT, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - The Detroit Police Department says a man was fatally shot by police, and an officer was injured Wednesday night on the city's west side.
The incident happened at about 10:15 p.m. in the area of Fenkell Avenue and Southfield.
A preliminary investigation revealed that police spotted a vehicle failing to use a turn signal, prompting a traffic stop. Assistant Police Chief Charles Fitzgerald said the driver did not have a license and tried to pull off.
"The officer instinctively reached his leg in, he stepped on the brake, tried to hold him [the driver], he was dragged about 20 yards," Fitzgerald said. "The officer's partner ran up along the side, and he attempted to deploy his taser -- it did not take effect -- and that's when the driver put the car back in reverse, drove backward, dragging the officer again."
Fitzgerald said one of the officers pulled out his gun and fired two rounds, hitting the driver in the chest.
The driver was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. The officer who was dragged was also taken to a hospital for treatment and is expected to make a full recovery.
Police say a passenger was inside the vehicle at the time and was taken into custody but has since been released.
A firearm with an extended magazine was found inside the vehicle as well as cannabis that appeared to be "packaged for sale," Fitzgerald said.
According to investigators, the driver was out on bond for felony receiving, concealing a stolen vehicle, and felony carrying a concealed weapon.
As part of his bond conditions, the man was not allowed to have a weapon, police said.
Due to the Detroit Police Department Policy, the incident was referred to the Homicide Task Force where Michigan State Police investigators will take over.
The officer who fired the shot will be placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, police said.
