16-Year-Old Charged with Felonious Assault in Detroit Stabbing

Police ensure safety in downtown Detroit as incidents involving youth violence raise concerns.

News Summary

A 16-year-old girl from Roseville has been charged with felonious assault after allegedly stabbing a 15-year-old boy during a verbal confrontation in downtown Detroit. The incident, which occurred near Campus Martius, left the victim in temporary serious condition. Detroit Police have emphasized the risks of unsupervised teens in busy areas, as this marks a troubling trend of violence among youths at public events. The girl’s legal status and potential trial type remain unclear.

Detroit, MI – A 16-year-old girl from Roseville is facing felonious assault charges after allegedly stabbing a 15-year-old boy multiple times in the stomach during a verbal confrontation in downtown Detroit. The incident occurred around 6:11 p.m. on Saturday in the 1000 block of Woodward Avenue, close to Detroit’s Campus Martius.

The altercation escalated quickly, leading to the girl reportedly using a pocketknife in the attack. Following the stabbing, the victim, a resident of Detroit, was reported to be in temporary serious condition on Sunday. His health status has not been updated as of Monday.

The Detroit Police Department made an arrest shortly after the incident, and the girl was charged with felonious assault on Monday afternoon. It remains unclear whether she will be tried as an adult or juvenile. Felonious assault is a serious charge that can result in up to four years in prison, a $2,000 fine, or both.

Following the stabbing, Detroit Police Assistant Chief Charles Fitzgerald provided insight into the circumstances surrounding the incident, noting that the area was busy with thousands of people enjoying favorable weather conditions. This context has led Fitzgerald to urge parents to refrain from dropping off their children unattended in downtown areas, especially if there is a potential for trouble to arise.

In the aftermath of the stabbing, Fitzgerald emphasized that there were both visible and undercover police officers present to provide public safety. A preliminary hearing for the girl was held at the Juvenile Detention Facility in the Wayne County Criminal Justice Center on Monday afternoon, with further hearings anticipated in Macomb County.

This incident marks the second act of violence involving teens at Campus Martius in recent years, following a separate shooting that occurred during the 2022 Christmas Tree lighting ceremony where two teens were shot. The frequency of such incidents has raised concerns about the safety of public spaces, particularly during events that draw large crowds.

Officials are continuing to monitor the situation and are encouraging community awareness regarding the behaviors of young people in public settings. The ongoing investigations and legal proceedings connected to this stabbing incident highlight the need for preventive measures to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors in downtown Detroit.