Detroit Police Shoot 83 Yr Old Black Man attempting to Defend himself in his home
/From [HERE] DETROIT (WJBK) - Detroit Police looking for a dangerous suspect instead are met at the door by his elderly grandfather, who police say had a gun. The retired Ford worker was shot. We're told police fired in self defense.
"Very bang, bang, quick situation. The officers encountered the gentleman armed. They took action that they felt was necessary to defend themselves," said Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee.
Officers with the Detroit Police Department's Northeastern District came to a home on Adeline just before one o'clock Thursday afternoon looking for a man wanted for firing at police during another incident. He wasn't there. Instead, family members tell FOX 2 an 83-year-old man was inside with his elderly wife and a family friend.
"I do believe what may have happened is when they busted in the doors, my father, who's 83 years old, probably was frightened because it is a bad neighborhood, and more than likely he probably reached for his shotgun, which probably caused the shooting to occur," said daughter Charlotte Phelps.
"There were marked units there. The officers that were executing the search warrant were fully in garb that indicated that they were the police. They indicated such verbally. So, right now, we're investigating. Our thoughts are with the gentleman. We hope he gets well, but we thank God that the officers are okay," Godbee said.
The 83-year-old is at Detroit Receiving Hospital getting treated for two gunshot wounds. We're told he was shot in the arm, as well as the leg. He's expected to recover.
He is also currently under arrest and charges are pending. Police still want to talk to him. Did he realize what was happening. However, according to his family members, this man was very lucid.