Detroit — As thousands of people crowded into Eastern Market on Sunday, a confrontation broke out that left one man dead, a second man in critical condition and a suspect arrested, the city’s police chief said.
Detroit Police Chief James White said the incident began around 4:30 a.m. at Shed 6 on Riopelle Street after the Detroit Lions game at nearby Ford Field.
“A large brawl broke out and broke up after a few minutes,” the police chief said during a press conference near the scene. “They gathered a few feet from where the first brawl had started. The two fighters raised their hands as if they were going to fight each other … one of the fighters, an Oak Park man, pulled out a gun and fired at least twice. Two people were hit.”
A man in his 40s, who White said was a Detroit resident, died, while a second victim in his 20s was hospitalized in critical condition, the police chief said.
“The officers did a great job,” White said. “They were on the scene directing traffic from the game and heard the gunshots. They were able to quickly arrest the shooter.”
White said the two victims and the shooter were “most likely” attending the aftergame party after the Lions lost 20-16 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field less than a mile away. The shooting occurred in front of thousands of people, most of them fans leaving the Lions game, the police chief said.
“Going out, drinking and guns don’t mix,” the police chief said. “This is ridiculous. If you want to fight, you fight. Everyone has to have a gun, it makes them feel strong. And now we have two people shot, one dead, and another suspect facing serious charges, probably murder.”
White said the suspect is in his 30s and has a permit to carry a concealed handgun.
“We see (violence) at county fairs, we see it at social events,” White said. “Everyone has to have a gun. You don’t need a gun at a tailgate party. The big story today should have been that the Lions lost and some people fought.”
Shed 6 was cordoned off with police tape, where officers were seen speaking to several people crying.
(313) 222-2134
@GeorgeHunter_DN
