Police Surround Detroit's Eastern Market
DETROIT (WWJ) - Several law enforcement agencies have surrounded Eastern Market in Detroit.
According to investigators, Michigan State Police, Homeland Security and the Detroit Police Department are assisting the U.S. Department of Agriculture with fraud involving Bridge Cards.
Reporting live from the scene, WWJ's Vickie Thomas said the agencies are serving warrants, although it's not clear which businesses are being targeted.
"The only thing that I can really let you know is that we're here on official business and not all of the market is closed, there's just certain areas, but Shed 2 is open," IRS special agent Cindy Burnett told WWJ.
Detroiter Ronnie Nixon said he was just trying to shop at Gratiot Central Market when he noticed the heavy police presence.
"This whole block is blocked off. I was kind of stunned, I was like 'Dang! I got me a parking spot' and I almost parked in the best one. These police is out so I thought well maybe they got a parade getting ready to start or some special event, and it's just to serve out warrants? Come on Orr, Bing, you all stop playing, stop bull jiving. Let's get some of this in these neighborhoods, in our neighborhoods," Nixon said, referring to the officers on the street.
Terry Campbell, Eastern Market Corporation's chief operating officer, said the Tuesday Farmer's Day and rest of the market will remain open despite the unfolding situation.
"We have a lot of Michigan farmers here today with wonderful food. This is harvest season and there's a wonderful assortment of Michigan produce, vegetables, fruits to be had at our market today," she said.
Stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 and CBSDetroit.com as more information becomes available.
