ANN ARBOR, MI – A strip mall in Ann Arbor became the scene of a deadly shootout Friday afternoon, leaving an 18-year-old Westland man dead. The incident, which unfolded near the intersection of Packard and Platt streets, has sent shockwaves through the community.
The young man was gunned down just moments after leaving a barbershop, prompting a swift police response. Authorities have taken three men into custody in connection with the shooting, which led to a brief lockdown of nearby schools as a precaution.
Witnesses described the area as typically quiet and were stunned by the sudden violence. A shopper, who was nearby, initially mistook the gunfire for firecrackers. “I heard sounds and thought it was something like a firecracker,” the witness said.
Security footage from a local business, Bombay Grocers, captured the harrowing moment the victim was shot while attempting to flee. The incident occurred around 1:15 p.m., and the footage shows the chaos that ensued.
Police engaged in a short pursuit of the suspects, which ended when their vehicle crashed into a tree near Platt and Lorraine streets. An employee at a nearby coffee shop recounted hearing loud noises and seeing people running in panic. “I couldn’t believe it was happening in Ann Arbor,” he said.
The victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries shortly after. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with officers working to piece together the events that led to the tragedy.
The community, known for its tranquility, is grappling with the shock of such violence. Residents and business owners alike expressed disbelief, noting that incidents like this are rare in the area.
As police continue their investigation, the focus remains on ensuring public safety and bringing those responsible to justice. The incident has highlighted the need for vigilance, even in seemingly peaceful neighborhoods.