Michigan State Police are in the midst of handling a pair of freeway shootings in Detroit from last weekend as the city grapples with violence sparked by road rage. The first incident was reported around 1:05 a.m. on Saturday, with a driver experiencing a single gunshot fired by an occupant of a blue pickup truck on northbound Interstate 75 near Holbrook; the vehicle was struck, however, the driver wasn't injured and the shooter's motive is still unclear, as first reported by Audacy and confirmed through subsequent coverage from The Detroit News and CBS Detroit.
Several hours later another incident escalated after what has been described as a "minor crash" on Seven Mile Road near Lodge Freeway, according to statements by the Michigan State Police, the dispute which escalated from exchange of heated words to gunfire on the freeway left, no physical injuries were reported yet again the tangible evidence of bullets and the lingering echoes of what could have been shadow over Detroit streets. MSP First Lt. Mike Shaw addressed the incidents, stating, "These are two examples of suspects putting Michiganders at risk by not being able to de-escalate over something as simple as driving."
In light of the violence, local artist Kazzie the Gypsy offered some advice during a CBS News Detroit interview saying, "Leave. Leave right then. Don't stick around, don't try to do all that. Don't try to talk to people you can tell aren't mentally there." His words resonate as a call for calm and control in situations where temperaments flare dangerously high. Michigan State Police have confirmed both incidents were a result of road rage, and in an effort to find those responsible, they're urging anyone with information on the shootings to contact 855.MICH.TIP or Crime Stoppers of Michigan at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
