Gunfire erupted early Wednesday on Interstate 96 near Outer Drive on Detroit's west side, leaving one person dead and two others wounded, according to police. Officers and investigators shut down portions of the express lanes as crews worked the scene, tangling morning traffic. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims or a description of any suspect while the investigation continues.
Video from FOX 2 Detroit showed officers clustered on the freeway amid a heavy police presence and reported that three people had been shot, one fatally. The station posted its report today and noted that officers were processing evidence on the roadway. That early coverage did not include information on a suspect or the names of the victims.
Lanes Shut Down As Investigators Sweep Freeway
Michigan State Police and Detroit officers routinely close stretches of I‑96 to search for shell casings and other evidence after reported freeway shootings, a response that can leave drivers stuck for hours. ClickOnDetroit documented a similar probe in April, when troopers combed both the express lanes and service drives for clues. That kind of rolling shutdown can make it harder for investigators to pinpoint exactly where the gunfire started.
A Difficult Crime Scene That Keeps Returning
Freeway shootings have surfaced across Metro Detroit this year, and local coverage shows that investigations often struggle because vehicles and witnesses leave the scene quickly. WXYZ recently reported on a non-fatal I‑96 shooting near Outer Drive that also forced lane closures while troopers searched for evidence. Police say limited physical evidence and conflicting accounts from those involved can slow efforts to reconstruct exactly what happened.
Detroit police have not released a suspect description or a possible motive and have asked anyone with information to contact investigators, FOX 2 Detroit reported. Officials said more updates are expected as detectives continue processing the scene and interviewing witnesses. Drivers are being told to brace for lingering traffic problems near Outer Drive until the roadway fully reopens.
