DEARBORN, Mich. (WXYZ) — Bullet holes still mark the dumpster and a window at the gas station where two Dearborn police officers were shot early Friday morning — the culmination of a turbulent week in the city.
The shooting happened around 2:15 a.m. Friday when officers responded to the Pantheon Club for a report of a man brandishing a weapon. The suspect fled from officers in a flatbed tow truck.
Watch Randy Wimbley's video report below:
Officers caught up with the suspect at a Citgo gas station at Inkster and Van Born roads. As officers attempted to take the man into custody, he opened fire, striking two officers. Other officers returned fire, leaving the suspect in critical condition. The suspect then fled again to Stanford Road in Inkster, where police took him into custody.
Both officers are now recovering at home. Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin said the officers' bulletproof vests likely saved their lives.
"This could've easily been a fatal encounter. Our officers are very lucky. It's a small miracle they're going to be OK," Shahin said.
Watch more coverage on the shooting below:
While the officers recover, the suspect remains in the hospital fighting for his life. His father told 7 News Detroit late Friday he is unsure if his son will survive. When asked for his initial reaction to the shooting, the suspect's father said: "Nope, can't be my son. All he does is drive a tow truck and hang out with his family."
This is not the suspect's first run-in with law enforcement. Court records show he was arrested for an armed robbery at Lakeside Mall in 2014, eventually pleading guilty a year later.
The police chief and mayor speak after the shooting below:
The shooting capped off a difficult week for the city and its police department. On Tuesday, far-right nationalist and anti-Arab provocateur Jake Lang came to Dearborn and disparaged Arabs and Muslims at a city council meeting. Lang's arrival sparked a massive demonstration and counter protests. When it was all said and done, 22 people were arrested.
Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud reflected on the week's events.
"The events that unfolded over this last week are not new to our community. But I can tell you this police department — our officers show up day in and day out without making any excuses," Hammoud said.
Previous report: Dearborn community reacts after 22 arrests at anti-Muslim protests
Shahin also addressed the treatment his officers endured during the week's unrest.
"My officers were yelled at, spit at, called all kinds of names — it's terrible. But in spite of that, they come to work every single day and they conduct themselves with professionalism and integrity to keep this community safe," Shahin said.
Despite the week's events, Shahin expressed pride in his officers.
"I've always said I don't need to go to the movies to go see superheroes. I get to work alongside them every single day," Shahin said.
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