Detroit police are actively searching for a man accused of shooting a 29-year-old woman and her 7-year-old daughter on the city’s east side Monday, October 12. The incident occurred at an apartment complex in the 8000 block of Farnsworth at approximately 7:03 p.m. Detroit police Chief Todd Bettison reported that officers responded within five minutes of receiving a 911 call reporting shots fired. The shooting reportedly stemmed from an argument following an earlier fight among young children.
According to Chief Bettison, the confrontation began after a group of children, aged seven and eight, had fought earlier in the day. Police said the father of one of the children went to an apartment and confronted the mother of the 7-year-old girl. During the confrontation, the woman shut the door. However, the man allegedly forced his way inside, pulled out a gun, and fired one shot, Bettison stated.
The single bullet struck the woman in the arm before continuing and hitting her daughter in the shoulder, Chief Bettison said. Both victims were subsequently taken for medical treatment and were reported to be in stable condition.
Chief Bettison expressed strong disapproval of the incident, describing it as “senseless.” He remarked, “Adults not being able to self-regulate — this is senseless.” Bettison emphasized that the shooting originated from a dispute involving young children and stated that adults should not escalate such conflicts into violence. He further added that the incident “doesn’t even make sense,” conveying his deep disgust.
Police said the man fled the scene after the shooting in a white GMC Terrain, which may have been equipped with a blackout package. Investigators are currently utilizing various technologies, including camera footage, as part of their efforts to locate him. Chief Bettison confirmed that the suspect is known in the area and urged him to surrender to authorities. He also requested that anyone with information regarding the man’s whereabouts call 911.
Chief Bettison stated that police “definitely expect to have him in custody.” The investigation remained in its early stages Monday evening, with detectives continuing to interview witnesses to gather more details about the confrontation. Police had not released the suspect’s age or a photograph at the time of the briefing. Anyone with information about the shooting or the suspect’s whereabouts is urged to contact Detroit police directly.
