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Police Now Search For Barricaded Gunman Who Fled On Detroit's West Side

DETROIT (WWJ) - Police are now searching for a man who is suspected of barricading himself inside a west side Detroit home with a high-powered rifle on Saturday.

The suspect has been identified as 35-year-old Eric Smith, who is from out-of-state. Authorities say Smith was armed with an AK-47, and fled the scene before police arrived.

After several hours of negotiations, it's believed he was never in the home after police got to the scene. Commander Elvin Barren said that the AK-47 was found in the house.

"He suffers from a mental disorder. He does have a history of crimes, including auto theft, narcotic crimes, as well as a robbery," Barren said.

A neighbor said that the weapon was fired over 90 times on Saturday morning.

The situation unfolded around 10 a.m. Saturday on Warren Avenue near St. Mary Street, in a neighborhood between the Southfield Freeway and Greenfield Road.

According to police, a Comcast Xfinity service contractor knocked on the front door of a home and the man answered with a rifle in hand.

Officers quickly arrived on the scene, but the gunman apparently barricaded himself inside the home and refused to talk to police.

Dozens of police officers, EMS crews and other law enforcement officials were on the scene. Many officers were seen walking around the area with long guns drawn. Neighbors were ordered to stay inside their homes.

Motorists and citizens are urged to avoid the area.

[Stay with CBSDetroit.com and LISTEN LIVE to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest.]

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