The Gordie Howe International Bridge is days away from opening to vehicle traffic, but while Canadian officials marked the milestone with a celebration Friday, the Michigan side of the Detroit River was notably quiet and some metro Detroiters want to know why.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video reports: Detroiters respond to ribbon cutting in Canada Gordie Howe Bridge opens with fanfare in Canada, not Michigan

A joint U.S.-Canada grand opening celebration had been planned but was canceled by Canadian officials, citing President Trump's tariff threats against the country.

Watch Simon Shaykhet's reports on the Canadian celebration: Officials, Howe family celebrate ribbon-cutting for Gordie Howe bridge Officials, Howe family celebrate ribbon-cutting for Gordie Howe bridge

At Delray Park, which sits in the shadow of the new span connecting the U.S. and Canada, only a handful of people were present Friday. Resident Cassandra Combs said the political tensions behind the canceled celebration troubled her.

"I don't think Trump should have done that. That's my opinion. My opinion is that they send firefighters to help us when we have problems with fires, and that we should do the same as a country."

ADDITIONAL COVERAGE: Interview with Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens: Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens talks about Gordie Howe ribbon cutting

Derrick White said the lack of an American event felt like a missed opportunity for the community.

"I think they should have a think they should have a celebration. It is a part of our community. Anytime we've got some part of our community, we need to be a part of it."

Kolton Cushing echoed that sentiment.

"I mean, I believe in their celebration over there, too, but I think we should have our own celebration over here also. Why not? We have the perfect city to do it right here."

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield said she had not heard of any state-level plans to mark the opening.

"As of now, I haven't heard anything from the governor or the state about plans for a celebration. But as I've said many times, we're very excited because this bridge is going to be a huge boost to both the city and the state's economy. We'll benefit tremendously from this expansion and additional connection. So we're hopeful everything goes as planned Monday."

I reached out to Governor Gretchen Whitmer's office asking why Michigan did not hold an event marking the bridge's opening. As of Friday, no response had been received.

The Trump White House, when asked why no U.S. government officials held special celebrations for the new crossing, responded: "Nothing will change the fact that President Trump renegotiated an incredible deal for America on the Gordie Howe Bridge."

President Trump also posted on his Truth Social account Friday afternoon:

"Canada disinvited the United States of America to the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge, which is fine, considering they are paying substantial tariffs to the United States, but the original deal on the bridge, which was terribly negotiated by a previous administration, no longer stands. We changed the terms of the deal so that the United States of America now gets 50% of the profit."

Not everyone on the Michigan side was focused on politics. Miranda King said she wanted to apologize to Canada directly.

"We are sorry for today and, you know how today was. Uh, kind of sullied by that, but really, we really are just sorry overall, you know, for everything that's been going on, especially our president."

King added that the moment had not unfolded the way many had hoped.

"This bridge, it was supposed to be a joint ribbon-cutting ceremony. It was supposed to be a nice, friendly celebration between our two countries."

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is set to open to vehicle traffic Monday, as early as noon. It will open to cyclists and pedestrians in August.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

A Wayne County Community College District police traffic stop is raising questions about the department's towing practices after a driver was charged a $100 fee even after valid insurance was provided before a tow truck arrived.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Driver questions $100 tow-related fee after WCCCD police stop

Devin Calhoun, 21, was pulled over near 6th and Fort by the downtown campus on July 22 while headed home to the River Front Apartments for a rolling stop.

Calhoun did not have proof of insurance on hand at the time of the stop.

"They said it wasn't coming back in the system, but I had told them that we was like going through like switching insurance, so that's probably ... the reason why it wasn't popping up," Calhoun said.

Officers told Calhoun his car would be towed.

"They said I was getting towed because I didn't have proof of insurance," Calhoun said.

Calhoun called his mentor, Toson Knight, who bought the car for him. Knight says he sent proof of insurance to police before the tow truck arrived.

Despite that, Calhoun says officers still made him wait for the tow truck and pay a drop fee.

"The tow truck didn't hook it up at all. He came like 15 minutes after I already verified I had insurance, and I still had to pay 100 dollars for an unhook fee," Calhoun said.

WCCCD spokesperson Michelle Martinez Bassett addressed the stop in a statement.

"The safety and security of all WCCCD students and staff is our top priority," Martinez Bassett said.

"Yesterday afternoon, a driver was stopped for driving through a marked stop sign in a busy traffic band adjacent to the College, and could not provide proof of insurance; a check through the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN), maintained by the Michigan State Police, showed no active coverage, which prompted a tow per law enforcement policy," Martinez Bassett said.

"An email presented by the driver, purporting to show active coverage after the tow truck's arrival did not resolve the discrepancy as the LEIN network continued to show no coverage on the vehicle. Law enforcement did not have the ability to affect the tow and did not inform or initiate the drop fee applied by the towing company," Martinez Bassett said.

"WCCCD remains focused on traffic safety near campus, where unsafe driving has created ongoing concerns for students and staff," Martinez Bassett said.

Calhoun says the insurance was verified long before the tow truck arrived.

Knight is calling on the college to take a closer look at how it handles situations like this one.

"I would love for them to first address their policy. I just don't believe that we have to wait 20 minutes for a tow truck to show up and then pay a $100 fee. We showed you the insurance, it was all over. You made him wait another 20 minutes," Knight said.

Martin Towing told 7 News Detroit that if valid insurance was provided, the officer could have called off the tow.

Calhoun says he hopes the situation leads to change.

"I just hope in the future this doesn't happen anymore to any kids or anybody young driving," Calhoun said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Detroit is taking emergency action as dangerous air quality levels continue to blanket the city, with officials urging residents to stay indoors and limit outdoor exposure as smoke from Northwest wildfires pushes conditions into the hazardous range.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Detroit closes CAYMC, cancels events amid hazardous air quality

Mayor Mary Sheffield approved an emergency purchase of 112,000 N95 and KN95 masks, which have been distributed to recreation centers across the city. Those centers are also serving as relief centers for residents without working air conditioning.

The city shut down Coleman A. Young Municipal Center to protect city workers, though essential services including police, fire and EMS continue operating normally.

"Today, we want to really reiterate to residents and Detroiters overall to please take this seriously. We know that right now air quality is hazardous for everyone, not just sensitive populations, and so we want to encourage residents to stay in their home if possible. If you do have to go outside, please wear a mask, but try to limit activity outside in general," Sheffield said.

Watch a press conference with Detroit officials below: Update on Detroit's response to air quality hazard

Sheffield is urging residents to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed and wear a properly fitted N95 or KN95 mask if they must go outside. The poor air quality is especially dangerous for pregnant women, infants, children and older adults.

Chief Public Health Officer Ali Abazeed said the city has never seen air quality readings like this since the modern AQI system was established.

"Look, this is pretty unprecedented. We shattered records yesterday. The AQI, the modern AQI system that we use today, was established in 1999. We've never seen numbers like this in some parts of the city. We saw numbers above 600. In some parts of south Michigan we saw numbers exceeding 700 to 800. This is unprecedented," Abazeed said.

The city activated emergency alert messaging systems to advise residents of the health risks. Residents can sign up to receive alerts on the city's website.

Abazeed said the conditions driving the dangerous air quality may not be temporary.

"A lot of Canadian wildfires. So it's driven by some of these weather patterns that we're seeing and unfortunately, this is the new norm in many ways going forward," Abazeed said.

The hazardous conditions prompted city leaders to cancel several major events, including Friday's Occupy the Summer event, as well as Black Men's Wellness Day and the Public Safety Fun Day, both of which were scheduled for Saturday.

Residents picking up masks at the Northwest Activity Center described the toll the air quality has taken on their health.

Jim Carswell, a 75-year-old Detroit resident, said he had never seen conditions this bad in his time living in the city.

"I think it's real bad on your lungs. Be inhaling this, the smoke out here and along with the pollen and allergies and all that," Carswell said.

Darlene Ross, 62, said she has been carrying masks wherever she goes.

"I carry them where I go, everywhere I go. I'm 62 years old. I can't hardly breathe. Like they say, this stuff's stronger than one pack of cigarettes, so guess what it could do to you kill you," Ross said.

Kim Mitchell described the physical symptoms she experienced from the air quality.

"My throat was itching. I was coughing, sinuses flaring up. I hurt in my chest. I was nauseous and my stomach still kind of hurts now coming outside smelling it," Mitchell said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Several Oakland County communities are dealing with the aftermath of a major water system disruption that triggered water restrictions, boil water advisories and multiple water main breaks.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Oakland County communities face water main breaks, boil water advisories

The Great Lakes Water Authority says the disruption at its Troy pump station started around 8 a.m. on July 16, impacting water flow to several Oakland County communities.

Madison Heights was hit hard on July 16 with 6 water main breaks, flooding streets, lowering water pressure, and frustrating residents.

"I wish they would get it done quickly so I can be able to get out. My husband's gonna have to park all the way down the street for, I don't know how many days because they always block off the end of our driveway," Jayme Sliwinski, a Madison Heights resident, said.

City officials in Madison Heights say the main breaks were linked to GLWA's pump station problems.

The water utility says the issue at its Troy pump station interrupted water flow to several Oakland County communities, including Auburn Hills, which declared a mandatory water restriction. Oakland Township and Rochester Hills issued boil water advisories.

For some residents, the July 16 water flow problems brought back memories of the lengthy boil water advisory following a major water main break earlier this year.

"We had to boil the water for... it was almost a week. Then you had to go out and get bottled water, and it was hard to find bottled water at times," Lynn Hasselbring, a Rochester Hills resident, said.

Donna Learmont, another Rochester Hills resident, said the repeated disruptions are raising concerns about the region's infrastructure.

"It's, it's very frustrating. My concern is the infrastructure and the reliability or lack thereof," Learmont said.

Rochester Hills spokesperson Nathan Mueller said the city responded quickly and kept residents informed.

"Our residents, you know, obviously are, are used to this, unfortunately. But for our system, our team, we were on it right away. We communicated to our residents. I think that's the important part. We're in a boil water advisory right now. Continue to stay in that until we kind of flush the system and do the two tests, which are 24 hours apart. And we hope, we expect, you know, later on this afternoon to be able to start flushing the system," Mueller said.

GLWA says crews restored water pressure to impacted communities early in the afternoon on July 16. The disruption was caused by a power outage at the pump station, though GLWA says the exact cause remains under investigation. DTE says there is no indication the outage was related to its equipment.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

A 31-year-old Detroit woman faces felony charges after investigators found the decomposed body of a newborn baby boy inside a dumpster on the city's east side.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Detroit woman faces felony charges after newborn's body found in dumpster

Detroit police were dispatched just before 11 a.m. on July 8 to an area near 7 Mile and Runyon, where officers found a blue tote inside a dumpster behind an apartment building. Inside the tote was the seriously decomposed body of a newborn baby boy wrapped in a white sheet.

Investigators identified the child's mother as 31-year-old Daysiana Powell. According to investigators, Powell hid the death of the newborn and never contacted authorities.

The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office has charged Powell with concealing the death of an individual, a felony. If convicted, she could face up to five years in prison.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy released a statement on the case.

"It is hard to put into words the abject sadness of this case. The alleged actions of this defendant will haunt everyone involved for a very long time. May this baby have a proper final resting place and be in peace," Worthy said.

Neighbors who live in the area said they were shocked and heartbroken by the discovery.

Leslie Wilkins, who lives in the apartment building where police made the discovery, reacted to the news.

"You never know what a person going through, man. You never know what a person got going on in real life, you know, you can see a person smiling all day, but it's a whole other side to it, you know what I mean?" Wilkins said.

When asked what it was like hearing about the discovery, Wilkins did not hold back.

"I mean, I get it. It's the east side, a lot of crazy stuff happened, but not nothing like to that extent, you get what I'm saying," Wilkins said.

Another neighbor, Chad Osama, expressed grief over the loss of the child's potential.

"Just heartbroken and figured out a newborn baby that could have been good in this lifetime and did something right. Instead, it sat there and rot and nobody knew," Osama said.

Osama also reflected on the circumstances surrounding Powell's alleged actions.

"Never know what that person was doing or didn't know what to do at that time, so, right, that just broke my heart hearing that," Osama said.

I spoke by phone with members of Powell's family. Many said they were devastated by the allegations and said they would have helped her if she had asked.

Powell's probable cause conference is scheduled for July 21, and her preliminary examination is scheduled for July 28.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

A Macomb Township family says they feared for their lives after someone threw fireworks directly at their house early Monday morning while their children were sleeping inside.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Macomb Township family says fireworks were thrown at their home

Diyana Dzahristos said the incident happened around 2 a.m. and was captured on home surveillance cameras. She said three suspects were involved and that deputies told her they appear to be teenagers.

"The amount of noise that we heard, we thought our house got bombed, like we thought that's it, we're all gonna just basically die tonight," Dzahristos said.

Watch: Home surveillance videos show fireworks being thrown in neighborhood Home surveillance videos show fireworks being thrown in neighborhood

Dzahristos said the experience felt like something out of a war zone.

"I've never been in a war zone, but that felt like our house like shook like it was bad," Dzahristos said.

She said the thought of what could have happened to her daughters made the incident even more terrifying.

"I had two girls sleeping, one in, you know, each room, and then it's like, what if our property was totally destroyed, the window was shattered, and then fire got in outside our house. Like the first two rooms would have been my kids' rooms," Dzahristos said.

The Macomb County Sheriff's Office confirmed it is actively investigating the case.

I found a remnant of the fireworks at the scene. Dzahristos said similar incidents have been reported in other neighborhoods in the area, but said this was the first time it happened on her street.

Neighbors who were shown the surveillance video said they were relieved no one was hurt.

"That's insane. That's crazy. That's so wrong. I mean, none of that should be happening in anybody's neighborhood," neighbor Tony Schepke said.

Neighbor Chris Lewis said he hopes the community takes notice and that those responsible are held accountable.

"I hope that you know, the alertness through the community is made aware and these kids can be held accountable, and they just cut out the nonsense. There's no reason for that. House can burn down, somebody can get hurt. Um, yeah, man, that's for what? Yeah, because the kid thinks it's fun," Lewis said.

Dzahristos said the teenagers are not the only ones who should be held responsible.

"Where are your kids? Why do you not know where are your kids at 2 o'clock in the morning? I'm sorry, like you should know how to parent your children," Dzahristos said.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Macomb County Sheriff's Office.

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A registered sex offender who was charged with kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl at gunpoint in Hamtramck in April has pleaded guilty.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced Friday that Donald Fields pleaded guilty to six charges, including: kidnapping, two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct and three counts of felony firearm.

See our past coverage in the video below: Man denied bond after kidnapping and sexual assault of student in Hamtramck

The kidnapping happened just after 7 a.m. near Edwin and Brombach streets in Hamtramck. The girl, a student at Frontier International Academy, was waiting for her school bus. Investigators said surveillance video shows Fields abducting the 16-year-old at gunpoint as she waited for a school bus near her home.

Hamtramck Police Department Chief Hussein Farhat said the two did not know each other.

Watch the press conference with officials after the arraignment in the video player below: Officials hold press conference after arraignment of suspect in Hamtramck kidnapping

Our young survivor in this case was simply walking in broad daylight when she was viciously attacked and sexually assaulted. Despite what she had just gone through, her quick thinking and mental toughness saved her life. We cannot reverse what happened to her, but we can work hard to bring justice to her, Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a statement.

Another female student with the victim saw a male walk up to her, place something at her back and force her into the back of his van. It's alleged that the suspect also sexually assaulted the victim inside the van.

Police release video of the Hamtramck abduction: Police release surveillance video of abduction in Hamtramck

The student the victim was with alerted a school bus driver, who called 911.

"Hi, Im a school bus driver a girl just told me a girl was just snatched up by a man," the bus driver said.

Students at the school were able to help police track the victim's cellphone.

About 30 minutes after the abduction, police caught up with Fields and rescued the teenager at a Sunoco gas station on Detroit's east side.

Before police arrived, the victim was able to signal to the cashier that she was in danger.

The suspect asked for cigarettes and told the girl to pay for them.

"When he ask her to pay for the cigarettes, I stop and go there's something wrong. And she mouthed talked to me, like with no sound, 'help,'" store clerk Abdulrahman Abohatem said.

Watch below: Clerk says girl mouthed 'help' to him after alleged kidnapping in Hamtramck Clerk says girl mouthed 'help' to him after alleged kidnapping in Hamtramck

Abohatem came out from behind the protective glass, confronted the man and ushered the girl to safety.

"I go out, I kick him out, I ask the girl go behind me," Abohatem said. "I feel good when you save somebody. Sixteen years old she is child."

"I believe this could have went a lot worse than it did. We have every belief that this could have ended really badly if it wasn't for the two witnesses as well as the officers' ability to be there," Hamtramck Police Chief Hussein Farhat said.

Fields is a registered sex offender who previously spent time in prison for a home invasion and assault with intent to commit sexual contact.

"This is a man who picked up a child in broad daylight, kidnapped her sexually assaulted her at gunpoint," Wayne County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Grace Broughton said.

See bodycam and surveillance video of the arrest below Bodycam video released in Hamtramck kidnapping Surveillance video released in Hamtramck kidnapping

The rescue and subsequent charges have brought relief to the community.

"I want to personally commend the victim herself for her incredible courage in seeking help. I also want to recognize the students who acted immediately to alert authorities. Our officers at the Hamtramck Police Department for their rapid response and the brave gas station clerk who quickly... and heroically acted to save her life. Their collective bravery represents the true spirit of Hamtramck," Hamtramck Mayor Adam Alharbi said in a press conference following the arraignment.

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A 5-year-old Detroit boy is recovering after police say he was struck by a stray bullet fired by a teen allegedly playing with a gun on the city's west side and a local violence intervention group says it wants to step in before another life is changed forever.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Violence intervention group wants to mentor teen accused of shooting boy

Five-year-old Kayzier was riding his bike in front of his home when he was hit by a stray bullet. Police say the teen was firing a gun at Fargo-Oakfield Park on Detroit's west side Tuesday. Kayzier was struck in the left arm.

PREVIOUS STORY: 5-year-old Detroit boy hit by stray bullet while riding his bike outside his home 5-year-old Detroit boy hit by stray bullet while riding his bike outside his home

His father, who did not want his face shown or his name shared, says his son is traumatized.

"He's still in shock. He don't want to come outside, he don't want to ride his bike, he don't want to do nothing."

Kayzier's father says he doesn't believe the teen intended to hurt his son and says he hopes the suspect receives the help, mentorship, and guidance he needs.

The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office has until Tuesday, July 14, to decide whether to file charges based on the evidence presented by investigators.

Regardless of the outcome, Negus Vu the executive director of the community violence intervention group The People's Action says his team wants to help change the young man's life through an intensive mentorship program, something they've done for nearly 100 other young people in Detroit.

"Why are you dealing with guns? Why are you involved in gun violence? What's going on at home? What's going on internally?" Vu said.

"So when we're dealing with young men who have the highest propensity to commit gun violence or even deal with guns, what we wanna do is find out the root cause," Vu said. "So when we're doing that relationship building, we wanna build a rapport with them. We're spending time, we take them on field trips. We're doing, we're giving them education. We're giving them life skills, financial literacy. We wanna make them functional in society."

FULL INTERVIEW: Executive Director of The People's Action, Negus Vu, talks about shooting response FULL INTERVIEW: Executive Director of The People's Action Negus Vu talk about shooting response

Vu says The People's Action also plans to help Kayzier and his family.

"Also, we're gonna help the 5-year-old, right? Because the 5-year-old has also been victimized. You have the mother and father who've been tremendously impacted," Vu said.

Kurtiez Thompson, a former gang member who served time in state and federal prison, plans to work directly with the teen accused of pulling the trigger.

"Me, myself, being a credible messenger and my coworkers are also credible messengers we have the lived experiences to bring to the youth. We understand how to connect and relate in a unique way through our past experiences," Thompson said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

A 5-year-old Detroit boy is recovering after police say he was hit by a stray bullet while riding his bike in front of his home. His family says he is now traumatized and too afraid to go back outside.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: 5-year-old Detroit boy hit by stray bullet while riding his bike outside his home

Investigators believe the gunfire came from nearby Fargo-Oakfield Park, just south of 8 Mile Road, where a group of teenagers were allegedly playing with a gun Tuesday evening. Police have a 15-year-old boy in custody in connection with the shooting.

The boy's father, who asked not to be identified or have his face shown, described the moment his son Kayzier was hit.

"He just learned how to ride his bike, no training wheels, no nothing. He said, I got it. I said, Naw. I went to go hold the bike, he said, 'No, I got it.' He took off down the street and all of a sudden he fell off the bike."

The father said he rushed to his son's side, unsure at first what had happened.

"So I'm trying to see what's going on, and he's just holding his arm with his hand. So when I open his hand up, I don't see nothing, but then I just see a bunch of blood squirting from his arm."

Kayzier was rushed to Children's Hospital. His family says the bullet narrowly missed an artery. After being released, they took him back to the hospital hours later because of severe pain and continued bleeding. He is now back home and expected to recover.

Negus Vu with the community violence intervention group The Peoples Actions says cases like this are happening far too often.

"This is a situation where gun safety definitely needs to be more put out there. There needs to be education around that. We also, as a community, need to wrap our arms around these kids not necessarily be judgmental or point fingers. We need to be more solution-oriented," Vu said.

Kayzier's family says the emotional trauma may last far longer than the physical wounds.

"He's still in shock. He don't understand what happened. He's in shock still. He don't want to come outside, he don't want to ride his bike, he don't want to do nothing," his father said.

When asked what he would say to the person responsible, the father had a simple message.

"They know what they did. All I can do is just say stop. Just stop. Just stop."

You can contribute to the family's GoFundMe at this link.

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Two people have been taken into custody after three people were shot and two of them died after an altercation at Fairlane Town Center in Dearborn Friday afternoon.

The shooting happened around 1:25 p.m.

Watch the video report below: Two in custody after deadly shooting at Fairlane Town Center in Dearborn

Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin says two groups of people got into an altercation before the shooting.

Responding officers immediately began rendering aid to the shooting victims. Two people were taken to the hospital, where one of them died. The third person died inside the mall.

Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin provides details in the video player below: RAW VIDEO: Chief Issa Shahin updates the shootings at Fairlane Town Center

Dearborn Police, Michigan State Police, and University of Michigan-Dearborn police responded to the scene. The mall was evacuated.

Investigators say people from both groups were armed. The ages of the victims is unknown at this time, but the police chief says they are around their late teens or early 20s.

Watch our breaking news coverage earlier in the day: 3 people shot, 2 dead at Fairlane Town Center in Dearborn

A motive has not yet been determined.

The chief addressed the gravity of the violence unfolding in a public space.

"These kinds of acts of violence are completely unacceptable. For it to happen anywhere is unacceptable. The idea that it would happen in a public space, a mall where people are shopping is unconscionable," Shahin said. "It's just unbelievable."

"The loss of life is tragic. My condolences go out to the families of those involved in this incident," Shahin said.

On Friday night, police said two people who they think were involved in the shooting were taken into custody.

"I can assure you that those involved and are responsible for this will be held accountable," Shahin said.

Witnesses are telling 7 News Detroit that the shooting happened on a lower level at the mall.

"I heard arguing and fighting that was going on inside the mall," one witness told us.

Dearborn Police issued the following statement on Facebook:

Police Activity at Fairlane Town Center Dearborn Police officers are currently on the scene investigating a shooting at Fairlane Town Center. This is an active and ongoing investigation. We are asking residents and visitors to avoid the area while officers secure the scene and investigators conduct their work. Additional information will be released as it becomes available. We appreciate the public's patience and cooperation.

The shooting triggered panic inside the mall. Shoppers and employees ran for cover or rushed to the nearest exit, while others sheltered in place waiting for police to give the all clear.

Felicia Royal was among those taking cover, huddling inside a Victoria's Secret store.

"I heard like 10 to 15 shots instantly," Royal said.

Royal also raised concerns about how the situation was handled inside the mall.

"I feel like they need an active shooter process because some people left and they let them leave out of a backdoor even though the police had said for everybody to stand down, stay put," Royal said.

As police cleared the mall, going from store to store with rifles at the ready, a large group of shoppers followed. Officers ushered them to safety, leading them out of the building.

Shahin said a person was hit by a car on the other side of the mall while trying to avoid the gunfire. That person's condition is unknown at this time and the person was not connected to the shooting.

The chief says people shouldn't be afraid to go to Fairlane mall.

"We've had acts of violence. That happens everywhere, but this is generally a safe mall, it's a safe city and I would encourage folks to visit," Shahin said. "I would encourage folks to not be afraid."

The mall is temporarily closed. Anyone with additional information about the shooting is asked to call police at 313-943-2240.

Four members of a family including two toddlers were killed after a driver slammed into their vehicle while it was parked on the shoulder of southbound I-75 near Grange Hall Road in Holly.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: 'You destroyed a family.' Man, girlfriend & 2 toddlers killed in I-75 shoulder crash

Tieree Powell, his 23-year-old girlfriend, Zakiera Dodson, and their two young children 3-year-old Malani and 2-year-old Karter Powell were all inside the vehicle when it was struck just after 9 p.m. Wednesday, according to Michigan State Police.

Investigators are still working to determine what caused the crash, including whether alcohol, road rage, or some other factor played a role. Authorities have not yet determined why the family's vehicle was parked on the shoulder, whether they were out of fuel, experiencing vehicle trouble, or stopped for another reason.

"So we're not going to rule anything out right now. But what I can confirm is that the vehicle that was struck, they were not involved in anything. They were parked on the right shoulder of the freeway, and we're still trying to fully understand why we're not sure if they were out of fuel, if they was having vehicle issues or for another reason, but they were parked on the right shoulder of a southbound 75. They were all inside of the vehicle too when they were struck," Lt. Ty Howard of Michigan State Police said.

The suspected at-fault driver is in police custody while recovering at a local hospital with minor injuries. No word yet on when charges could be filed.

Patricia Powell, Tieree's great-aunt, said she has been overcome with grief since learning of the crash.

"I'm just hurting. That's why I got these glasses. I've been crying ever since this morning." A GoFundMe has been started for the family.

Powell has a message for the suspected at-fault driver.

"You destroyed a family that was loved. He had a family, he was loved and those babies, they didn't even get a chance to have a family or to grow up and and to do the things that they wanted to do in life. I want him to pay for what he done to my nephew and my great nieces and stuff. I want him to pay for that because that wasn't fair."

Hear more from Patricia Powell in the video below Patricia Powell, great-aunt of victim in deadly crash, speaksThis story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Two people are dead and a man is in police custody after a driver struck and killed two pedestrians outside a bar on Detroit's west side early Sunday morning.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Two killed after driver strikes friends outside Detroit bar; suspect in custody

Detroit police say the crash happened around 2:15 a.m. Sunday near Teresa's Place Bar in the area of McNichols Road and Schaefer Highway. The victims, 43-year-old Erica Smith and 51-year-old Dawad Helton, were friends who had been at the bar together. Both died at the scene.

Bystanders pulled the suspected driver from his car to keep him from leaving the scene, according to the victims' families.

Nina Campbell, Smith's sister, described what she was told about the moments leading up to the crash.

"I heard he sped out of the bar and lost control and hit them and then he tried to leave and backed over them again," Campbell said.

Watch our extended interview with Erica Smith's sister below: Extended interview: Sister of woman killed after driver hits two friends speaks out

Helton's sister, Kamilah, said her brother's final moments have been difficult to process.

"But he laid there with no love, no support just to die in the middle of the street," Kamilah Helton said.

Watch our extended interview with Dawad Helton's family below: Extended interview: Family of man killed after driver hits two friends speaks out

Both Smith and Dawad Helton were parents and grandparents. Kamilah Helton described the toll the loss has already taken on her brother's youngest child.

"The 13-year-old broke down last night and said her daddy won't be able to walk her down the aisle when she gets married," Kamilah Helton said.

Kamilah Helton said her brother was simply out enjoying time with friends when his life was taken.

"Dawad was a good person, just out having fun, hanging with friends and someone decided to take a drink or several drinks and killed two innocent people," Kamilah Helton said.

Dawad Helton's mother, Brenda, also spoke about the impact of her son's death.

"You made a terrible, terrible problem with two families that lost two people that loved their mothers and fathers and sisters and brothers. And I loved my son. He called me every day to say 'mother, I love you,'" Brenda Helton said.

Campbell reflected on the loss of her sister.

"It hurts extremely bad and like I said, my sister was a wonderful person and her life should never have been taken so soon and we're gonna miss her so, so much. Yeah, my gosh, we're gonna miss her so, so much," Campbell said.

Detroit police have not confirmed whether alcohol was a factor in the crash, saying the circumstances remain under investigation. The suspect, a Detroit man in his 20s, remains in police custody. Once the investigation is complete, Detroit police will forward their findings to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office for a charging decision.

Anyone with additional information about the crash is asked to contact Detroit police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

A GoFundMe has been established to support Dawad Helton's funeral and family.

A GoFundMe has also been established to honor Erica Smith's life.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Detroit police fatally shot a man on the city's west side Thursday evening after he opened fire on officers who were executing a search warrant at his home on Rosemont Avenue near 7 Mile Road.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Detroit police fatally shoot man who opened fire during search warrant execution

Detroit police say body-worn camera footage shows members of the Special Response Team shot the man after he opened fire on them.

Neighbor Ibrahim Adiouf described the moment gunfire erupted.

"It was definitely a jarring phenomenon hearing the gunshots and then later having to piece together that that was a guy who actually died," Adiouf said.

Police say the man was a suspect in an assault case an incident neighbors say happened a few weeks ago.

A neighbor who asked to be identified only as "Nikki" says the trouble started when the man got into a dispute with a next-door neighbor.

"Him and the next-door neighbor had some words and he had brandished a gun or something while his grandkids were outside, they're having a birthday party or something, and that's where it all started," Nikki said.

Watch our previous report about the incident below: Detroit police say suspect killed after opening fire on officers serving a warrant

Nikki says police responded at that time and tried to talk with the man, but he refused to leave the house.

When officers returned Thursday with a warrant, Nikki says she watched the scene unfold from nearby.

"I saw the tanker pull up. Then I saw the sprinter pull up, and then I saw the cops jump out. I heard a boom, and then I heard pop, pop, pop," Nikki said.

Nikki says she believes the shooting was inevitable, claiming the man had made his intentions clear during that first police response.

"The first altercation when the police came the first time, that was like two weeks ago, I guess that's when they called the cops and told him he was brandishing the gun and yeah, he told them then 'I'm going out with a bang.' I'm like, oh, so when they told me he was like yeah, he said he was going out with a bang. I'm like well, I guess that's what he did then," Nikki said.

Watch police provide details about the incident during a press conference below: Detroit police provide details after suspect fatally shot after firing at officers

Another neighbor, Sally Kabo, said the outcome was difficult to process but expressed support for the officers' actions.

"It's kind of sad, but nobody wanted the neighbor to go away this way. But I think it's to save all the neighborhood," Kabo said. "Because he can shoot anybody, and we have kids in the neighborhoods and everything. Yes, sometimes the police have to do what they have to do, and I think they do the right thing."

The neighbor involved in the initial confrontation with the man declined to comment on Thursday's shooting.

Michigan State Police is handling the investigation.

Three shootings in one hour on Detroit's west side left two people dead and a 9-year-old boy severely injured after he was caught in the crossfire.

The violence began just before 9:30 p.m. Wednesday when Malik Sterling was shot and killed on Monica Street near Six Mile Road. Police say gunfire erupted after a fight between Sterling and another man. Officers took a suspect into custody at the scene.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report below: 2 dead, 9-year-old injured in 3 shootings in one hour in Detroit

Sterling's mother, Rena Frazier, remembered her son.

"Malik, everybody came before him. He always put himself last. He was kind of silly, goofy. Loved kids. Loved his family," Frazier said.

About an hour later, a gunman in a blue Ford Fusion shot a man while he was walking on Burgess Street near 8 Mile Road.

The hour of violence reached its peak just before 10 p.m. in the Brightmoor neighborhood, where a 9-year-old boy and his 20-year-old cousin were shot during a dispute between the cousin and another man. The boy was struck in the stomach and leg. His cousin was killed.

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison said the boy is stable but still has a difficult road ahead.

"I'm glad and thankful that the 9-year-old is alive and from what I'm being told, he's stable. But he still has a ways to go," Bettison said.

Watch our extended interview with Rena Frazier below: Web: Mom speaks out after son shot and killed in Detroit

The suspect in the Brightmoor shooting remains at large. Bettison urged the suspect to surrender and warned anyone helping to shield them that they could face charges.

"To the suspect, I have very, very strong leads," Bettison said. "If you know who the suspect is or if you're involved and you try to help shield them or anything like that, you'll be culpable as well. And so to the suspect, just turn yourself in."

Police say ShotSpotter technology may have saved the 9-year-old's life. Officers did not receive a 911 call for the double shooting in Brightmoor but were alerted by ShotSpotter, allowing them to get the boy medical attention quickly.

Bettison said the city is seeking to extend its ShotSpotter contract with Detroit City Council.

"Gun detection technology ShotSpotter, we do have a contract where we're asking city council to extend it, and we know that around the country, some cities have decided to lean away from it. It's expensive technology, but I can't put the price on a life. That technology saved that one life, and if it's worth saving, if it saves one life, it's worth it to me, but we know that it saved many more lives in the city of Detroit," Bettison said.

Previous coverage: Man fatally shot and child critically injured, Detroit police say Man fatally shot and child critically injured, Detroit police say

Anyone with information about the shootings on Burgess near 8 Mile or the shootings in Brightmoor is asked to call Detroit police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Nearly a year after 4-year-old Samir Grubbs was shot and killed while playing at Skinner Playfield near Denby High School, his family is working to transform the site of tragedy into a place of healing pushing to rename the playscape, and eventually the park, in his memory.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Family pushes to rename Detroit park playscape for slain 4-year-old

Samir was killed at the park on June 26, 2025. An online petition is now underway to name the playscape after him, requiring 500 signatures for the City of Detroit to consider the change.

PREVIOUS STORY: Two families mourn after 4-year-old boy and teen killed in Detroit park shooting Two families mourn after 4-year-old boy and teen killed in Detroit park shooting

His mother, Jasmine Grubbs, said renaming the space would carry deep meaning for her family and the broader community.

"It will give meaning to every child that is Samir. Samir is every child that gets up and don't look and see fear. Samir is every child that goes to the park and wanna just play," Grubbs said. "And this will take back everyone's childhood, every kid's childhood that is afraid to go to the park, that is afraid to step outside because of this senseless tragedy."

18-year-old Dayvion Shalmonson Bey was also killed that day one of the first fatal shootings in a summer marked by youth violence.

Jasmine said support from community members, the Detroit Police Department, and community violence intervention groups, including New Era Detroit and Team Pursuit, has been crucial to her family's healing.

WEB EXTRA: Mother of 4-year-old Detroit boy killed last summer pushes for new playground Mother of 4-year-old Detroit boy killed last summer pushes for new playground

Team Pursuit Executive Director Quincy Smith is helping collect the signatures needed for the city to consider the name change.

"I don't think there's a thing she could ask and we not do whatever we can to make sure it gets done," Smith said.

Smith said the effort goes beyond a name.

"It just speaks to the importance of creating safe spaces for families, for young people to come and not fear violence. You know, they can come and just have a good time and be kids," Smith said. "That's all Samir was doing, you know? This is where he loved to play. So it's also preserving his legacy, you know what I mean? And what he meant to that family, what he means to this community, and we want that legacy to live on."

18-year-old Brandon Ware and 19-year-old William Wheeler were arrested and charged in connection with Samir's killing. They are set to stand trial in September and are currently being held in the Wayne County Jail.

Jasmine said that even if the two men spend the rest of their lives in prison, she has forgiven them.

"Of course, of course. Samir was a lover like he, he didn't see nobody mean, he didn't see nobody evil, he seen everybody perfect. And so I know if he could forgive somebody for doing something to him and he was only four, I have to do the same," Grubbs said.

You can find the petition to rename the playscape here.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Derond Crawford, a former Detroit police officer, was sentenced to two years probation with the last six months to be served in the Wayne County Jail after pleading no contest last month.

Prosecutors say Crawford stole nude images and videos from Samantha Thomason's phone after arresting her in March 2026, sending the material to himself without her consent. It's a story we first covered when it happened.

Watch our original report in the video below Detroit officer arrested after woman says he stole her intimate images

Thomason delivered a victim impact statement in court as Crawford sat stone-faced.

"I live my life in fear every day now due to the actions of this defendant. Things that were daily routine and normal are now things I'm terrified to do," Thomason said.

Thomason called the sentence insufficient.

"I feel like the sentence was a very minimal consequence to his actions," Thomason said.

Crawford's attorney, Pamella R. Szydlak, argued in his defense.

"This was a momentary lapse in judgement, an isolated incident in an otherwise stellar law enforcement career," Szydlak said.

Szydlak also said Crawford went to Thomason's home to apologize. Crawford's attorney claimed the two had once been in a relationship, something Thomason denies.

"I still question what would have happened to me if I answered the door that morning when he came to my house," Thomason said.

Hear more from Thomason in the video below Victim speaks after sentencing for former DPD officer

Wayne County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Rana Hadied pushed back on the relationship claim.

"It is the people's position, it is the victim's position that the victim was never in a relationship with the defendant. That is not supported by the evidence on this case," Hadied said.

Crawford did not make a statement in court. He could avoid jail time if he performs well on probation. As part of his sentencing agreement, he must undergo a psychological evaluation, complete 50 hours of community service, complete impulse control training, secure employment and have no contact with Thomason.

Thomason is now filing a $15 million lawsuit against Crawford, another officer, and the City of Detroit. Her attorney, Ivan Land, raised concerns about where the stolen material may end up.

"This guy is a freak and he was trying to entertain himself," Land said.

"Where are these videos? Is she gonna see those, these videos on the dark web? Will her children grow up in 20 years from now? Will they see these videos?" Land said.

The Detroit Police Department declined to comment on pending litigation.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.