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Suspects identified after woman shot in chest during confrontation in Detroit

By: Megan Lee
21 October 2026 at 02:43

Update: Police said Wednesday they have arrested one suspect and identified the other two.

Original story below

DETROIT (WXYZ) Detroit police are asking for the publics help identifying three boys, believed to be between 12 and 14 years old, after a woman was shot while confronting them near Midtown on October 14.

The shooting happened just before 1 a.m. near Brush and Piquette streets.

WATCH the full report here:

Detroit police search for three boys after woman shot in chest during confrontation

According to investigators, the incident began on nearby Beaubien Street, where the three boys were allegedly checking vehicle door handles. Police say a woman noticed the activity, got into her vehicle and followed the boys before confronting them on Brush Street.

Police believe one of the boys then fired two shots. One of those bullets traveled through the woman's windshield and struck her in the chest.

Neighbors say the violence has left the community shaken.

This is insane, neighbor Ramone Fields said. I was just horrified.

Fields said he was especially devastated because he knows the victim.

Shes such a sweet woman, he said. A tear just automatically dropped from my eye. I had to catch myself because its my neighbor.

Police radio traffic from the scene suggests an officer may have spotted one of the suspected juveniles while responding to the shooting.

Hes like 5'8", really skinny, all black, with a black mask on, an officer can be heard saying in dispatch audio. He was running when we were pulling up to this run and he stopped when we went past him.

All three suspects were able to get away. Investigators say the boys were wearing masks and have not yet been identified.

Neighbors are now hoping someone comes forward with information.

I want her to have her justice, Fields said. I think that that was wrong. I have never seen her harm anybody.

The victim has since been released from the hospital and is expected to recover.

Meanwhile, Fields is urging parents and the suspects themselves to reflect on the consequences of gun violence.

Watch your kids. Know where your kids are at, he said. This is insane, and this shouldnt be going on in a neighborhood like this.

He also had a message for the boys involved.

Go to school. Life is too short to be around here pulling guns out and doing stuff like that to people that are making an honest living.

The Detroit Police Department released the following information on the boys that could be connected to this:

Suspect 1: Black male, approximately 1214 years of age, wearing a gray Nike hooded sweatshirt, black pants, black Nike shoes, and a black face covering. The suspect was carrying a black backpack featuring red eyes and shark teeth.

Suspect 2: Black male, approximately 1214 years of age, braided hair, wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, black pants, black athletic shoes, a black backpack, and a white face mask.

Suspect 3: Black male, approximately 1314 years of age, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with a colorful print, green pants, and black shoes. The suspect was wearing a black face covering and carrying a white backpack with a geometric pattern.

If anyone has any information pertaining to this crime, call the Detroit Police Departments Third Precinct Detective Unit at 313-596-1340, or make an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-Speak-Up

There is a $1,000 reward for any information that pushes this investigation forward.

Birmingham commissioners vote to permanently ban short-term rentals after months of community debate

By: Megan Lee
20 October 2026 at 03:25

BIRMINGHAM, Mich. (WXYZ) Birmingham city commissioners voted unanimously Monday night to permanently ban short-term rentals throughout the city, just days before a six-month moratorium was scheduled to expire.

WATCH the full report here:

Birmingham commissioners vote to permanently ban short-term rentals after months of community debate

The decision follows months of public discussion and debate over short-term rental properties, many of which intensified after a shooting connected to a party at a rental home on East Lincoln in April.

Residents were at Monday's meeting to share their experiences and opinions before commissioners voted.

Among them was Birmingham resident Carter Drewry, who said she was unaware a short-term rental operated next door when she moved into her home earlier this year.

"We should be able to sleep in our homes and feel safe in our neighborhoods," Drewry told commissioners.

Drewry said the constant turnover of guests has left her uneasy.

"You just never know who's there. And they're in and out. And there have been multiple times where it just didn't seem safe," she said.

She added that the situation has created stress for her family.

"It's definitely caused us some sleepless nights," Drewry said.

Supporters of the ban argued that short-term rentals can disrupt neighborhoods and create safety concerns, while opponents said the city should focus on regulating problem properties rather than prohibiting all short-term rentals.

Karen Wilson of the Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors spoke against the proposal during Monday's meeting.

"A blanket ban on short-term rentals will never address the underlying problem," Wilson said. "Violence and other disturbances are broader issues in the community and are not unique to short-term rentals or the city."

Wilson argued responsible operators should still be allowed to offer lodging under city regulations.

"Responsible short-term rental operators should have an opportunity to provide lodging in these areas under appropriate regulations, just as hotels do," she said.

The ban will take effect seven days after approval. Existing short-term rental licenses will remain valid until they expire on April 15, 2027, but they will not be renewed.

Ann Arbor police investigating after man allegedly approaches, grabs student walking to school

By: Megan Lee
17 October 2026 at 03:02

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (WXYZ) The Ann Arbor Police Department is investigating after a man allegedly approached a group of students walking to school Friday morning, made threatening comments, and grabbed one child by the arm.

According to the Ann Arbor Police Department, the incident happened between 8:15 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. at County Farm Park as students were walking to Allen Elementary School.

WATCH the full report here:

Ann Arbor police investigating after man allegedly approaches, grabs student walking to school

Police said the students were able to get away from the man and find an adult, who called 911.

Investigators were out canvassing the park and neighborhood and have not located the suspect.

The incident has raised concerns among parents in the area, including Ryan Bates, who lives near the park and has a son who attends Allen Elementary.

"It's frightening," Bates said. "You hear these stories, and you think, 'Oh, that will never happen to my family. That will never happen to my kid.' You hope it never will."

Bates said the incident serves as a reminder that conversations about safety are necessary.

"It's sad, we've had to have conversations with our kid about creepy guys in the neighborhood," he said. "We wish that wasn't a problem. We live in a safe place, but we want our kids to understand how to keep themselves safe."

Bates wants his neighbors to be vigilant, but he doesn't want them to live in fear.

Residents who frequent County Farm Park were also disturbed by the incident.

"That's shocking, but that's also disturbing," said Jeffrey Hamilton.

Hamilton, who regularly teaches safety awareness to his students, recommends children stay alert, communicate with trusted adults, and travel in groups whenever possible.

"For the most part, it's pretty basic," Hamilton said. "Keep your head on a swivel, stay in communication, travel in groups when you can."

In a statement, Ann Arbor Public Schools praised the students' response to the situation.

"We are working closely with these students and their families, as well as with AAPD as they investigate. We want to commend the students for doing exactly the right thing: leaving the area right away and telling a trusted adult. We are also grateful for AAPDs quick response.We know news like this is concerning. Our social worker is available to support any student who may be feeling worried.This is also a good time to review walking and biking safety with your child: Walk or bike with a group whenever possible. Do not engage with or approach strangers. If something feels unsafe, leave the area immediately and tell a trusted adult."

Following the incident, police increased patrols in the area and said officers will continue monitoring the neighborhood around the park and school.

Bates said he is encouraged to see law enforcement taking extra precautions.

"We want to hear that the police are taking the neighborhood's concerns seriously. "There's nothing more important than protecting our kids," he said.

Ann Arbor police are asking nearby residents to review home surveillance video recorded around the time of the incident and contact investigators if they spot anything suspicious that could help identify the man.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Ann Arbor Police Department at 734-794-6920, email tips@a2gov.org, or submit an anonymous tip through Silent Witness at aapd.a2gov.org/SilentWitness.

Benson, James spar over data centers, cost of living in second Michigan governor debate

By: Megan Lee
16 October 2026 at 04:13

DETROIT (WXYZ) Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Republican Congressman John James squared off Thursday night in their second gubernatorial debate, clashing over a range of issues that included data centers, healthcare costs, energy prices and Michigan's economic future.

WATCH the report here:

Benson, James spar over data centers, cost of living in second Michigan governor debate

The debate, held at WDIV studios in downtown Detroit, featured sharp exchanges as both candidates sought to draw contrasts with one another ahead of the election.

James criticized Benson's record in statewide office, arguing Michigan needs a different approach to leadership.

Michigan has been on fire and shes been in Lansing for eight years holding the can, James said. Maybe we should try something different.

Benson responded with attacks of her own, accusing James of putting personal interests ahead of Michigan residents.

My opponent is only in this for himself, Benson said. In just four short years in Congress, hes become a multimillionaire.

One of the most heavily discussed topics of the night was the future of data centers in Michigan, a growing issue in communities weighing the potential economic benefits against concerns about water use, energy consumption and noise.

Benson said Michigan should establish safeguards that protect local communities while allowing development.

We have to put guardrails in place to protect local voices, Benson said, adding that data center companies should be responsible for their own energy demands and comply with community benefit agreements.

James argued local residents should have the final say on whether projects move forward in their communities.

If you want a data center, fine. If you dont want a data center, fine, James said. It should be up to you and not the powerful people in Lansing.

The candidates also outlined competing plans to address the rising cost of living.

Benson pointed to proposals focused on reducing healthcare costs, expanding affordable childcare and increasing housing affordability.

My plan will actually ensure that we are working with you to drive down the cost of healthcare and invest in clean energy infrastructure to reduce the cost of energy, she said.

James emphasized lowering energy costs by rolling back regulations.

Theres no reason Indiana and Ohio should have double-digit lower energy rates than us, James said.

Other issues raised during the debate included gas prices, education and Michigans relationship with Canada.

For some voters, however, the focus wasn't on the political attacks.

Im going to have to find out which candidate has that kind of focus, not bashing the other politician, but just telling me what youre going to do, said Lakeisha Conley, an undecided voter. I dont care if theyre doing bad. Tell me youre good.

Detroit resident Carolyn Preston said she wants Michigans next governor to be transparent and focused on serving residents.

Someone to be transparent and someone who is for the state of Michigan, not themselves, Preston said.

The debate marked another opportunity for voters to hear directly from the candidates as the race for Michigan governor continues to take shape.

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