DETROIT – An 20-year-old man has been shot to death by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer at a home on Detroit's west side.
Police Chief James Craig said a fugitive task force was serving an armed robbery and weapons charges warrant Monday afternoon at a home in the 9500 block of Evergreen Road when the shooting happened.
Craig said the officer and other members of a fugitive task force were inside the home when, at some point, the officer felt threatened and shots were fire.
Killed was Terrance Kellom.
"I'm told there was no forced entry to the residence, that they were allowed inside. I'm also told that the agent may have been faced with a threat. It was at that point that he decided to use deadly force," Craig said.
Craig didn't say if Kellom had a weapon, but said he has spoken with the immediate family of the man who was shot and killed.
"Just pray for us all. The family is really devastated. I'm at a loss for words. Another young death," the man's cousin, Lee Snipes, said.
Several family members of the man and neighbors in the area were at the scene, visibly angry with police.
"It's tragic. Any time a parent loses their child, it's tragic. I just want to say this, I'm committed that the investigation is thorough, that it's timely, and that I have a conversation with the Wayne Country Prosecutor's Office. Kym Worthy. I'm committed to that. I'll be talking to the prosecutor's office this afternoon about this very case. We're going to interview all the witnesses. I can't say what happened," Craig said.
Statement from ICE:
During a multi-agency enforcement action today at a Detroit residence, an ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officer fatally wounded a fugitive wanted on state armed robbery and weapons charges.
Any time an ICE officer or special agent discharges their firearm in the line of duty, the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility reviews the matter. Due to this ongoing review, no further details will be released at this time.
--Khaalid Walls, ICE spokesman
Statement from United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade:
"Yesterday's shooting was a tragedy and we offer our deep condolences to the family. Police work sometimes requires use of deadly force, but officers may use only as much force as is reasonable under the circumstances. In a situation like this, it is important to protect the rights of both the deceased and the officer. Therefore, we are closely monitoring the investigation."