A woman was shot multiple times outside the Troy location of Ruth's Chris Steak House, sending diners inside into a state of confusion and concern. The incident occurred on a bustling Monday evening around 6:30 p.m. According to FOX 2, the victim, in her 20s, was walking with a friend and a baby to their car in the parking lot when the assailant in a white Durango drove by and fired the shots. The vehicle was later pursued by Hazel Park police but was ultimately lost in Detroit.
The shooter, still at large, left diners in the restaurant anxious as they became witnesses to the aftermath. One couple described seeing a woman come back inside the front door, bloodied with a gunshot wound to her leg, as reported by WXYZ. Jeffery Wells and his wife were present when the chaos unfolded, recounting how a birthday celebration turned tragic as someone was targeted and shot.
Troy police have indicated the shooting does not seem random, although the exact relationship between the shooter and the victim remains unclear. The victim herself is reportedly not fully cooperating with the investigation, complicating efforts to determine the shooter's identity and motive. The victim has been taken to a local hospital and, despite the violence inflicted upon her, is listed in stable condition, The Oakland Press further reported. As of Tuesday, police have stated it isn't clear if the woman has been discharged from the hospital.
Police are seeking the public's assistance in locating the suspect and any additional information about the white Dodge Durango seen fleeing the scene. Anyone with knowledge of the incident is encouraged to reach out to the Troy Police Department at 248-524-3477. The Ruth's Chris Steak House was closed for the evening following the shooting as the investigation commenced, however, patrons were allowed to finish their meals and exit through a side door. As remarked by Jay Cucinella, who was there celebrating his 18th birthday, it was a shocking occurrence for a place like Troy. "You don't expect that in Troy, so I was kind of shocked," echoed diner Evanoff, both told WXYZ.
