DETROIT – An early-morning attempted carjacking and shooting on Detroit's east side has claimed the life of a man who was a father, husband and best friend.
Gregory Whitfield, 31, was killed around 2:30 a.m. Monday when he was shot trying to flee would-be carjackers.
His friend, who asked not to be identified, told Local 4 he was in the passenger seat when it all unfolded.
The friend said he and Whitfield had just finished filling up their Ford Mustang at a Sunoco station near Gratiot Avenue and St. Aubin Street when four men in a van pulled up. Two of the men had their faces covered with bandanas.
"He pulled the gun out on my friend, told us to get out of the car. My friend tried to drive off and he shot him," the friend said.
The Mustang crashed into building across the street from the gas station.
Whitfield was rushed to a hospital, but died.
"He was like my brother. From day one, like 7 or 8 years old, that was my guy," the friend said. "He was the best guy you would know. Best guy. Loving father and husband. I hope they catch them and keep praying for peace."
Whitfield was married with a 9-year-old son. He worked as a barber.
"It's never going to get better. Never. There's too many young, hard-headed guys out here doing the same thing over and over," the friend said.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help catch Whitfield's killer.
Police describe the suspects as three black men wearing hoodies and black facemasks. One of them was wearing a facemask with an image of a skull on it. The men were last seen in a light blue Ford Freestyle minivan.
Police say they are armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on their whereabouts or the vehicle should call Crime Stoppers at 800-SPEAKUP