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$5,000 Reward Offered In Case Of DTE Energy Worker Shot In Detroit

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - The reward is up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest in the shooting of a DTE Energy employee at work in a Detroit neighborhood.

Utility officials, along with Local 223 of the Utility Workers Union of America, said in a statement the worker was in his company vehicle early Saturday,  in the area of Van Dyke and Kern streets on the city's east side, when he was approached by a man with a gun.

DTE says the gunman knocked on the vehicle's window and the worker — who'd been working on storm-related repairs —  started to drive away after seeing the weapon, but he was shot in the thumb.

He was treated at a hospital and released Sunday.

Assaulting a utility worker is an enhanced felony in Michigan and can result in additional prison time.

Other similar havens are being identified, according to DTE. In April, a lineman was shot with a pellet gun while disconnecting electrical service to a home just west of the Lodge Freeway.

"We're doing everything we can to help our employees feel safe when they're working on behalf of our customers and the communities we serve," said Trevor Lauer, senior vice president, Distribution Operations for DTE. "Our workers are doing inherently dangerous work and they shouldn't have to worry about their personal safety. We hope the community will help us minimize threats to our workers."

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call 313-235-9119. Tipsters may remain anonymous and still be eligible for the cash reward.

TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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