News Summary
Detroit police have identified suspects involved in a shooting during the Ford Fireworks show. The main suspect is a 19-year-old, who allegedly fired shots during a dispute over a debt. Both victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries and received medical attention. Authorities are urging the public to assist in apprehending the suspects and have offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to their arrest. The police chief emphasized the need for public safety at community events.
Detroit Police Identify Suspects in Fireworks Show Shooting
Detroit police have apprehended suspects in a shooting incident that occurred during the annual Ford Fireworks show on June 23. The primary suspect, 19-year-old Alphonso Cooper Jr. from Romulus, is believed to have fired shots after an altercation over a debt. An accomplice, 18-year-old Markalowe Keith Steen Jr. from Brownstown Township, is also wanted for assisting Cooper in evading capture.
The shooting unfolded at approximately 10:04 p.m., just minutes before the start of the fireworks display, near Larned and Randolph streets adjacent to the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center. The conflict reportedly stemmed from a disagreement over a $200 debt between Cooper and a 17-year-old male from Romulus, leading to a brief physical confrontation. During the altercation, Cooper allegedly brandished a firearm and discharged at least two rounds, striking both the intended target and a 22-year-old woman who was not involved in the dispute.
Victims Sustain Non-Life-Threatening Injuries
Both victims were quickly transported to local hospitals where they are expected to recover from their non-life-threatening injuries. One victim sustained a gunshot wound to the hand, while the other was shot in the leg. Although the incident caused concern, it did not prevent the fireworks celebration from proceeding, as attendees largely enjoyed the festivities without awareness of the violence that had transpired shortly before.
Police Chief Urges Public to Assist in Capture
Detroit authorities suspect Cooper may be hiding out in a hotel room, possibly with the help of friends and family. In light of this, police chief Todd A. Bettison publicly appealed for any individuals with information regarding Cooper’s whereabouts to step forward. The chief stressed the serious implications for anyone sheltering Cooper, underlining that assisting a fugitive is a legal offense. The police have initiated a broader search and executed several search warrants in connection with the case.
Reward Offered for Information
In an effort to expedite the investigation, a $1,000 reward has been established for information leading to the arrests of Cooper and Steen. To date, several tips from the public have contributed to the investigation, enabling police to identify the suspects. However, as of now, no arrests have been made.
Historical Context of the Event
The Ford Fireworks event, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, has historically experienced incidents of violence. Nonetheless, law enforcement reported that there were no arrests made during the previous two iterations of the event. Police Chief Bettison characterized the incident as an isolated case, inconsistent with the general atmosphere of enjoyment surrounding the fireworks celebration.
While one individual was detained relating to the shooting, that person was subsequently released after being cleared of involvement. Investigators continue to gather evidence and conduct interviews as they work to solve this case and apprehend the suspects.
Authorities remain committed to ensuring public safety and are leveraging a combination of community partnerships and technology to support their ongoing efforts to track down suspects across the region. The police department is determined to bring justice to the victims of this unsettling incident and prevent any further acts of violence at community gatherings.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 2 Detroit
- Detroit News
- Detroit Free Press
- CBS News
- Click On Detroit
- Wikipedia: Detroit
- Google Search: Detroit Fireworks Shooting
- Google Scholar: Detroit Fireworks Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Detroit
- Google News: Detroit Fireworks Shooting
