DETROIT (WXYZ) — Those who knew Officer Rasheen McClain best say he was a natural leader who others in the department looked up to.
McClain died after he was shot in the neck while responding to a scene just south of Eight Mile Road near Wyoming and Pembroke. McClain's partner, Officer Phillippe Batoum-Bisse, was shot in the left leg and is expected to recover.
The 28-year-old suspect fired two shots from a high-powered rifle, striking both officers.
Detroit police have not identified the suspect, who is also recovering at Sinai-Grace Hospital.
"This is certainly a heartbreaking day," said Chief James Craig.
OFFICERS SHOT: Tonight on @wxyzdetroit at 5 & 6 we have team coverage following the shooting of two @detroitpolice officers. One of them, Officer Rasheen McClain (left) died from his injuries. Officer Phillippe Batoum-Bisse was shot in the leg and is expected to recover. pic.twitter.com/ZjBHqhs88y
— Jenn Schanz (@JennSchanzWXYZ) November 21, 2019
Two Detroit officers were shot while responding to a home on Wyoming and Chippewa Wednesday night.
One of the officer, 46-year-old Rasheen McClain, died from his injuries. Police say he was shot in the neck. McClain and his partner, Officer Phillippe Batoum-Bisse, attempted to clear the home.
The suspect, according to police, appeared to be in some domestic dispute with a woman who lives at the home.
“Given the way and the manner this suspect in which he was deploying in the side of the house, it was clear that he had some type of tactical training,” Craig said.
The suspect fled from the home after the shooting, and was shot by police outside of the home where two other DPD officers were called as backup.
“When I found out what had happened I was just hurt," said Retired Officer Ronald Griffin.
Griffin trained Officer McClain when he first joined the Detroit Police Department.
“To interact with the community, to be an example of what officers are supposed to act and look like, that was Officer McClain,” Griffin said in a phone interview with 7 Action News' Jenn Schanz.
“To interact with the community, to be an example of what officers are supposed to act and look like, that was Officer McClain," retired @detroitpolice Officer Ronald Griffin says @wxyzdetroit
— Jenn Schanz (@JennSchanzWXYZ) November 21, 2019
Griffin also added that McClain was a "good student, exemplary, very squared away," and that he showed signs of being a leader early on in his career.
"He always worked hard as a cadet," he said.
Officer McClain leaves behind a wife and two stepchildren.
“I had an opportunity to look at (McClain's) body worn camera," Chief Craig said. "No surprise that when he arrived at the scene he was in charge. He understood that he was faced with a very dangerous situation.”
The 12th Precinct and the entire department is hailing McClain as a hero. Police are still investigating how the suspect had the tactical skill he did. They say he fired shots at the same home approximately two weeks prior due to what appears to be an ongoing domestic dispute.
No word yet on when the suspect might be arraigned on charges stemming from the shooting.
