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Detroit Police Officer Shot In Leg After Chase Near I-94

DETROIT (WWJ) - A Detroit police officer has been wounded during a shootout following a chase on the city's east side.

Detroit Police James Craig said a "firefight" took place at around 10:20 a.m. in the backyard of a duplex off Moross at the I-94 service drive after the chase that began as officers were investigating reports of a stolen vehicle.

Craig said the suspect in that vehicle sped away, and the officers followed for a couple of blocks before the suspect hopped out of the car with a handgun.

"And as the officers were in foot pursuit, the suspect turned, fired several shots, striking one officer," Craig said.

Officer returned fire, and the suspect was shot several times. His condition wasn't immediately known, but the officer was expected to recover from what Craig said was only a minor injury.

"I just visited with the officer in the hospital," said Craig. "He sustained what appears to be a graze wound. He's conscious, talking, he's fine."

The suspect was being treated at St. John's Hospital where he condition was unknown.

The injured officer's name has not been released, but Craig said he's a seven-year veteran of the force, working out of the DPD's Ninth Precinct.

There was a large police presence in the area, according to witnesses. Moross over I-94 was closed to traffic and motorists were being urged to avoid the area.

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