Update: 7 Killed During Violent Weekend In Detroit
DETROIT (WWJ) - The past violent weekend in Detroit has left a total of seven people killed, worse than originally reported.
In addition to the 16 people who were reported shot during a 24-hour period of violence, police now say there were another ten shootings on Sunday. That includes three men who were hit outside a night club on Michigan Avenue near Livernois. Two others were shot and robbed near Warren and Outer Drive.
Among those killed included a Detroit teen who police say was shot by a friend. A 46-year-old Detroit man has been charged with killing two men in a dice game.
- A statement from Detroit Police details nine of the shooting incidents -
Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee said he expects more officers to be on the streets, if the extended hours are approved by the union and management.
With Detroit Mayor Dave Bing saying that reducing violent crime is his administration's top priority, the violent weekend in the city has community leaders and activists ready to fight back.
Community Leader Bishop Charles Ellis said the recent rash of crime has a deep-seated cause.
"I think it's the economy. I think it's a lack of hope, and whenever people feel hopeless then they will make very bad decisions," said Ellis.
Speaking to WWJ Newsradio 950 on Monday, Charles Pugh said preventing violence is the best way to address problems like these.
"Yes, we do need more police officers on the street," said Pugh. "But once that police patrol car moves off that block and out of that neighborhood, then it becomes incumbent upon every family, every neighborhood, every church, every school to step up, every community organization. We need to do more."
Stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 and CBSDetroit.com for continuing coverage.
