Yesterday’s late afternoon rush at a Wendy’s on Eastpointe’s Nine Mile Road turned violent when a person was shot in the stomach outside the restaurant and rushed into surgery, according to city police. Officers were called to the 18000 block of Nine Mile at about 4:40 p.m. for reports of gunfire, and first responders provided lifesaving measures on the pavement before the victim was transported. Police said the person was in temporary serious condition while undergoing surgery, and the suspected shooter had not been located as investigators worked the scene.
What Police Say
According to ClickOnDetroit, crews from the Eastpointe Fire Department and MedStar ambulance rendered lifesaving aid before the victim was taken to the hospital. The outlet reports that the Eastpointe Police Department’s Detective Bureau and Special Investigations Unit spent the evening collecting evidence and interviewing several witnesses, who shared information about the suspected shooter.
Police told the station that, as of last night, the suspect had not been arrested and the investigation remained ongoing. Authorities had not released a suspect description or possible motive.
Investigation Underway
As reported by Hoodline, coverage of earlier incidents on the Nine Mile corridor, including a fatal McDonald's stabbing at another Eastpointe fast-food spot earlier this year, has already put parking lots in the area under scrutiny. The Wendy’s where yesterday’s shooting happened is listed at 18001 Nine Mile Road East, a stretch that draws steady evening traffic.
Investigators say they are piecing together witness accounts and working through evidence from the parking lot and nearby businesses in order to identify the shooter. Police have asked anyone who saw the incident or who has surveillance or cell phone video to come forward.
How to Help
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Eastpointe Police Department Detective Bureau at 586-445-5100, extension 1025, the station reports, according to ClickOnDetroit. Investigators said witnesses have already provided tips, and officers continue to canvass the area. The department has not released additional details while the investigation is ongoing.
Context
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office has emphasized prevention and community outreach this year as part of local efforts to curb gun violence, citing school and community programs on its website. Macomb County officials say outreach and increased prosecutions are among the tools being used countywide. We reached out to Eastpointe city officials for further comment and will update this story with any response from the police department or city leaders.
