Three young people, a 16-year-old and two children ages 13 and 12, were wounded after what started as an argument turned into a burst of gunfire on Detroit’s east side. The shooting happened along Somerset near I-94 and Whittier, and all three victims were left with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Witnesses told investigators that someone phoned others to come to the area before the suspects opened fire, and that roughly 30 rounds were unleashed, according to Metro Detroit News. Police say the victims were taken to a hospital, the investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been announced as of the latest reports.
Growing pattern of youth violence
The incident lands in the middle of a tense spring in Detroit, where large teen gatherings have repeatedly drawn police and, at times, erupted into violence. As reported by WXYZ, Memorial Day weekend "teen takeover" events and related fights have already raised alarms after several gatherings ended with gunfire and injuries.
Freeway and other recent shootings
Separate from the Somerset shooting, state and local law enforcement officials have also been sounding the alarm over an uptick in shootings on Metro Detroit freeways in recent weeks, including incidents on I-94 that remain under active investigation. FOX 2 Detroit reports that Michigan State Police called the recent string of highway shootings "extremely concerning" and urged drivers not to engage with other motorists.
City leaders have tried to answer the surge in violence with a mix of enforcement and outreach. Officials have stressed that curfew rules for minors will be enforced and have boosted community violence-prevention efforts as part of the response. BridgeDetroit noted that Mayor Mary Sheffield and Police Chief Todd Bettison have emphasized both accountability and more youth programming in hopes of keeping teens out of harm’s way.
Investigators are asking anyone with information or video related to the Somerset-area shooting to contact Detroit police, and witnesses can also use local anonymous tip lines, Metro Detroit News noted. Authorities say the probe remains active and are urging anyone who knows something to come forward.
