By Jeff Kranitz
FOX 2 News
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) -- A veteran Southfield police officer was shot and injured Sunday during a shootout inside the police department. The suspect, a 64-year-old Southfield man, died when police returned fire.
Southfield Police Chief Eric Hawkins said the wounded officer, shot in the shoulder, is a 50-year-old sergeant with "twenty-five years of distinguished service." He's expected to make a full recovery.
The results of a preliminary investigation indicate that at approximately 2:20 p.m., a 64 year-old man from Southfield entered the lobby. The desk officer asked if he could help, but the man just stared back with a blank look on his face.
The 64-year-old man looked around the lobby, pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the officer, who was seated behind a bulletproof glass encasement.
The man pulled the trigger, but it did not fire.
The desk officer then drew his handgun and ordered the suspect to drop his weapon. Other officers responded to the lobby and confronted the gunman. Once again, he was ordered to drop his weapon.
Instead, the suspect pointed his weapon at police and began firing.
The 50-year-old sergeant, the first to respond, was hit in the shoulder. Other officers returned fire and hit the gunman several times.
Both men were treated at the scene by Southfield paramedics, then transported to Providence Hospital.
Fox 2 caught up with Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence at Providence Hospital after she visited the wounded officer. Lawrence said he was alert and responsive.
"His police family - they're with him. And his sister and brother are there," Lawrence said. "We're very glad that he is doing well, and we do anticipate him recovering."
The suspect was not as fortunate. He was pronounced dead a short time after arriving to the hospital. Police are not releasing his name, but Fox 2 has learned he was driving a white 2010 Dodge Cobalt with a handicap plate.
Police have yet to establish a motive for the shooting. The man did not argue or have a confrontation with anyone in the lobby before pulling out his gun.
Click on the video player to see a full report from Fox 2's Alexis Wiley.
In the meantime, myFOXdetroit.com will continue to provide updates as new information is made available.
