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One person dead, FBI agent shot at Texas Roadhouse in Madison Heights

Posted at 6:57 PM, Oct 02, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-05 21:32:50-04

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. (WXYZ) — A suspect is dead and an FBI agent is injured after a shootout outside a Texas Roadhouse in Madison Heights near 12 Mile and John R.

The scene remained active late into the night, shutting down a portion of John R for hours.

“We were trying to effect a lawful arrest, and this is what happened,” said FBI Special Agent Steven D'Antuono.

The suspect, Eric Allport, was the subject of a federal weapons investigation according to the FBI. Agents tried to arrest him in the parking lot outside Texas Roadhouse which lead to an exchange of gunfire at the busy street corner.

The FBI agent who was shot is expected to be OK.

“It’s always stressful and concerning when one of our agents gets shot or any law enforcement officer gets shot,” D'Antuono said.

The FBI did not say who fired first or how many shots were fired, but those who live in the area say they heard a lot of gunfire.

Duncan Knorp drove to the scene after his son heard the shots from his nearby front porch

"He (son) said there was a lot of fast gunfire, and he thought probably 12-14 rounds at least,” Knorp said.

Oakland County Sheriff’s deputies and a number of local police departments assisted, blocking off John R for hours as investigators worked into the night.

“Inspectors will come out from headquarters like I said to do the inspection and shooting reveiw," D'Antuono said. "That's our policy and process.”

The FBI did not release any more information on the suspect or their investigation, and those in the area were glad no one else was caught in the crossfire.

“I'm surprised more people aren’t hurt, thank God,” Knorp said.

As of Monday evening, the FBI agent is home recovering, according to authorities.