A 50-year-old man died Tuesday after exchanging gunfire with Detroit police, following an hours-long barricaded gunman situation on the city’s west side. The incident concluded after police negotiations failed to resolve the standoff peacefully. No officers were injured in the shooting, Police Chief Todd Bettison said.
The situation stemmed from a reported felonious assault involving a dog at a BP gas station on East Warren Avenue earlier in the day. Police received a 911 call about the incident at approximately 9:57 a.m. Tuesday (Oct. 27) in the 700 block of East Warren Avenue. Officers arrived at 10:03 a.m., but the man had already left, according to Bettison. The chief stated that the man had been involved in an altercation with a store manager and clerk, and allegedly released a pit bull-type dog to attack them, causing minor injuries. Bettison also noted the man may have displayed a weapon to store employees, though these details were still being confirmed. Chief Bettison described the situation, saying the man "used his dog as a weapon."
Officers later located the man at a home in the 18400 block of Griggs Street. Police observed him entering the residence after hearing what Chief Bettison described as a gun rack. At 11:20 a.m., authorities declared a barricaded gunman situation and established inner and outer perimeters around the property. The Detroit Police Department’s SWAT team, mental health response team, and command staff were notified and deployed. Other agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Michigan State Police, and the FBI, provided assistance, Bettison said.
Crisis negotiators began speaking with the man by approximately 2:15 p.m. Officers utilized a megaphone, familiar voices, and communication with family members in an effort to peacefully resolve the situation, the chief stated. During the standoff, police blocked street traffic in the vicinity and advised nearby residents to shelter in place. Those unable to leave their homes were instructed to take cover in their basements.
The standoff escalated at 3:25 p.m. when officers breached the home’s front door. One minute later, at 3:26 p.m., officers encountered the man in the backyard, Bettison said. The man was found to possess multiple firearms, including handguns and assault rifles, as well as ammunition, according to the chief. Bettison reported that the man picked up an assault rifle and pointed it toward officers, which prompted officers to fire their weapons. The man also fired shots, Bettison confirmed. The exchange of gunfire resulted in the man’s death.
Chief Bettison noted that investigators are currently reviewing the incident and emphasized that the information released thus far is preliminary. He mentioned reviewing video of the shooting but could not determine who fired first because the footage lacked audio. Bettison described the situation as "disturbing," noting the man was "heavily, heavily armed." The chief declined to offer further details regarding officers’ movements before the shooting or to identify who fired first, citing the early stages of the investigation.
Police received information from the man’s family suggesting he may have been experiencing a mental health crisis. Bettison urged community members to inform authorities if they believe someone is in crisis, stressing that early intervention could help prevent such escalations. The chief also said he was informed that the dog involved in the initial incident remained inside the home, and police planned to ensure the animal was cared for.
Chief Bettison commended the officers and detectives for their response, highlighting the dangerous nature of the situation given the man’s heavy armament and the potential for additional deaths. He characterized the officers as "true professionals," adding that they did not begin their day expecting to be involved in a fatal shooting. Police have not yet released the identity of the deceased man, and investigators anticipate releasing more details as the review of the incident continues.
