DETROIT – A 16-year-old boy is recovering after being shot twice during a burst of gunfire on Detroit’s east side, while two young girls were injured amid the chaos that followed, police said.
The shooting occurred on Thursday (June 11) around 7:11 p.m. in the 9000 block of Somerset Avenue near I-94.
ShotSpotter detects more than 30 rounds
Detroit police said officers were alerted by a ShotSpotter notification that detected more than 30 rounds fired in the area.
Shortly afterward, officers received reports of a person shot and responded to the scene.
Detroit Deputy Chief Arnold Williams said investigators determined the 16-year-old boy suffered two gunshot wounds.
The teen was transported to a Metro Detroit hospital, where he underwent surgery.
Police said his injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Two girls, 12 and 13, were also injured but were not struck by gunfire.
Williams said one girl was hurt by flying glass, while the other suffered scrapes as people scrambled for safety after the shooting began.
Both girls were listed in stable condition and are expected to recover.
Argument escalated into gunfire
Investigators believe the shooting stemmed from an argument that escalated when someone retrieved a firearm and opened fire.
“We believe it started with an argument,” Williams said. “That verbal argument led to someone retrieving a weapon and firing shots.”
Police are actively searching for a person of interest but have not released a description.
Williams said investigators do not believe the individual poses an ongoing threat to the general public.
Children, families outside as shots rang out
The shooting unfolded on a warm summer evening as children and families were outside in the neighborhood, raising concerns among residents.
Williams condemned the violence and urged people to find alternatives to resolving disputes with firearms.
“There is no reason to resort to a gun to try to end a dispute or confrontation,” Williams said. “What we’re doing right now, we have one child in the hospital because of it.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
Watch the full press conference below