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Heated protest in Harper Woods as family demands answers after woman dies in police custody

Posted at 10:59 PM, Jun 12, 2020
and last updated 2020-06-12 23:16:32-04

HARPER WOODS, Mich. (WXYZ) — A heated confrontation unfolded outside the Harper Woods police department on Friday evening.

Protesters rallied to demand answers after the death of Priscilla Slater, 38, while she was in police custody.

Demonstrators and the mayor's wife of Harper Woods nearly came to blows after she appeared to rip up a protester's sign taking a stand against police.

Slater's grief-stricken family said they've been left in the dark since her death on Wednesday.

RELATED: Family demands answers after woman dies in Harper Woods police custody

On Friday, Harper Woods police released a statement about the night Slater was taken into custody.

The release said police responded to the Parkcrest Inn for a report of numerous shots fired.

Police arrested Lewis Nichols,27, for the shooting and charged him with multiple felonies, including three counts of assault with intent to murder and six counts of weapons-felony firearm.

Two elected officials told 7 Action News Slater was with Nichols and was in possession of drugs.

The family is awaiting an autopsy. MSP is leading the ongoing investigation.

7 Action News reached out to MSP and did not immediately get a response.