Three people died and four others sustained injuries early Sunday in a shooting at an after-hours venue on Detroit’s west side. Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison reported that officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert just after 7:20 a.m. near Eaton Avenue and Prest Street, finding three men dead at the scene.
Early Morning Shooting at Detroit After-Hours Venue Leaves Three Dead
Police arrived at the location on Prest Street near Eaton Avenue within four minutes of receiving a ShotSpotter notification and a subsequent 911 call at 7:22 a.m., according to authorities. First responders and bystanders attempted to provide aid to the victims before emergency units arrived. Three adult men, all aged 30 and older, were pronounced dead at the scene from fatal gunshot wounds.
Four additional individuals sustained injuries in the shooting. Two women and two men, all in their 20s and 30s, were transported to area hospitals for treatment. Authorities confirmed that their injuries are not considered life-threatening. While investigators continue to piece together the sequence of events, Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison noted that an altercation occurred prior to the gunfire.
Previous Police Scrutiny at the Prest Street Address
Investigators confirmed that the location where the shooting took place was already known to law enforcement. Bettison described the venue as an illegal after-hours establishment featuring dancing activities, noting that officers had responded to calls for service seven times at the address since the beginning of the year.
The department had an active investigation underway concerning the property before Sunday’s shooting. Mayor Mary Sheffield voiced strong support for increased enforcement against illegal after-hours operations operating inside residential or commercial spaces throughout the city.
Regardless of what was occurring in this particular location, no one deserves to have their life ended or to be wounded by gun violence.
Todd Bettison, Detroit Police Chief
Community Leaders and Officials Respond to the Violence
City and community leaders gathered near the scene on Sunday morning to address residents and condemn the mass-casualty incident. Mayor Sheffield expressed her grief during a joint press conference, calling the event heartbreaking and detailing plans for community support.
The location of the shooting falls within a designated Community Violence Intervention zone.
Active Investigation and Search for Perpetrators
Police have not yet released the identities of the deceased men pending family notifications, nor have they announced any arrests. Investigators are reviewing evidence gathered at the scene and processing several incoming tips. Chief Bettison assured residents that law enforcement personnel would actively work leads around the clock to identify those responsible.
Authorities urge anyone possessing information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.