Interim chief says Detroit police officer injured two bystanders in June block party shooting

(CBS DETROIT) – Interim Police Chief Todd Bettison announced Wednesday that the officer involved in a June lockdown had been placed on “prohibited weapons” status after an investigation determined that he injured two bystanders in the process.

On June 1, officers responded to the 16500 block of Trinity after multiple 911 calls reporting multiple shots fired in the area. Bettison says the officer encountered two attackers and fired approximately five shots, hitting two women, ages 20 and 23, who were not the intended targets. The officers also shot one of the attackers. This person has not been charged, but the investigation is still ongoing.

According to the interim commander, all three people suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Bettison says the request for the warrant will be filed with the Wayne County Attorney’s Office, which is routine practice in any shooting involving DPD officers. The officer, who has been with DPD for about eight years, was placed on administrative duties after receiving information about the ballistics evidence on Monday.

“To say the officers’ approach was dangerous would be an understatement, meaning the scene was chaotic. The scene was loud. People were screaming, some were in complete distress,” Bettison told reporters on Wednesday.

Police received 911 calls just before 1:50 a.m. on June 1 regarding a shooting in the area of ​​Trinity and Florence streets.

Bettison says patrol officers stopped a few blocks away when they heard gunshots and were notified of the 911 call. Police recovered eight firearms and 93 shell casings at the scene.

Bettison says the two gunmen were carrying a handgun and an AR-style rifle. The suspect who was shot by the officer was carrying a handgun. He says officers were on scene for less than a minute.

“Decisions had to be made in a split second. “The offices had to deal with an armed attacker standing among innocent partygoers,” he said.

The investigation is ongoing.