A 2-year-old boy was shot in the thigh in a domestic-related incident on Detroit's east side, leaving authorities searching the city for a person of interest related to the incident. According to police reports, the innocent child was caught in the crossfire of a gunfight.
The shooting occurred last night in the 500 block of Dickerson Avenue, CBS News Detroit reports. Darius Lacey, 27, identified as the former boyfriend of the child's mother, reportedly engaged in an argument with the woman's new boyfriend, which tragically escalated to a shootout while the toddler was present, authorities said. After the altercation, Lacey fled in a black Dodge Charger with two other individuals, one of whom later turned themselves in, according to Detroit police. As officials amplify efforts to apprehend Lacey, the child, fortunately, has been listed in stable condition post-hospitalization.
Interim Chief Todd Bettison of the Detroit Police spoke to the gravity of the situation and the department's commitment to arresting those responsible. "Just senseless," Bettison said, "I'll tell you one thing: we're going to hold him accountable. We're going to hold all the adults accountable in this thing. So at least we know who we're looking for, and we'll have him in custody soon," WXYZ reported. The shooting scene was marked by at least 15 shell casings.
The Detroit News provided further detail on the matter, noting that the bullet passed through the child's leg. Bettison expressed that while the incident appeared to be isolated to domestic circumstances, the department's foremost priority remains Lacey's capture, "The public in general isn't in danger. It was a domestic so I'm not as concerned there," Bettison said, "but, we will have him apprehended shortly." The Detroit News reports that, early in the investigation, there is no indication that the community is at risk, and efforts are underway to restore safety and accountability.
Information regarding the whereabouts of Darius Lacey and the other person of interest remains limited, though police are employing various methods in their search. The Detroit community is encouraged to provide any relevant information by contacting the Detroit Police Department or Crime Stoppers. Anyone with knowledge about the incident or the location of the individuals sought by police is urged to contact the Detroit Police Department at 313-596-5800 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
