Detroit firefighters thwarted by man shooting pistol in Cass Corridor apartment

Detroit firefighters were forced to leave a crowded apartment this morning after a man started shooting a handgun and throwing belongings out of the building in the Cass Corridor.

Firefighters were called to the Charlotte Apartments shortly before 10 a.m. because of reports of smoke. When they arrived, a man described as mentally ill began firing a pistol in the building before starting another small fire.

Instead of fleeing, firefighters insisted on protecting the tenants.

“There’s a lot of people in the apartment, and we’re trying to keep peace at the time,  but we need police,” Engine 1 reported to dispatch, explaining why firefighters hadn’t left the scene.

But a few minutes later, shots broke out again at the apartment at 624 Charlotte between Second and Third.

“I believe he just lit a fire in his apartment, and he’s shooting a pistol,” Engine 1 reported.

Firefighters waited outside for police and left the scene after the small fire was reportedly out at 10:10 a.m.

Police apprehended the gunman.

“The person that was firing a weapon was taken to the hospital crisis center for a psych evaluation,” Detroit Police Sgt. Michael Woody said. “He is mentally ill.”

  Cass Corridor, Charlotte, detroit, Firefighters, Gunman, police, Shooting, threats

Steve Neavling

Steve Neavling lives and works in Detroit as an investigative journalist. His stories have uncovered corruption, led to arrests and reforms and prompted FBI investigations.

• 
• 
• 
• 
•