DETROIT – Police have launched an internal investigation into its response to a late-night shooting at a Detroit block party.
The shooting took place Sunday, July 7, on the city’s east side. Two people were killed and 19 others were injured. Eight people remain hospitalized.
Police are looking into whether officers could have responded faster to the mass shooting.
According to authorities, a crew of officers with a supervisor were assigned to break up a large gathering nearby on Waltham Street, southwest of the mass shooting that took place near the intersection of Reno Street and Rossini Drive. The supervisor is now under investigation due to his response when he was told to drop everything and to get to the scene.
Dispatch told the supervisor that there were multiple shots fired and multiple people with gunshot wounds. The supervisor told dispatch he couldn’t release the officers, resulting in dispatch telling him again that he and his crew needed to go.
The decision-making of the supervisor is under investigation, while the Board of Police Commissioners will meet to focus on the cause of the shooting.
A vigil will be held Thursday, July 11, to honor and remember the families impacted by the mass shooting. Organized by City Councilman Scott Benson, the event will feature community members and support services for those impacted. Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network will provide emotional and mental health support.
Read more: Church dignitaries join vigil for block party mass shooting victims on Detroit’s east side