Love Triangle Sparks Armed Standoff In Northeast Detroit; Gunman Escapes [VIDEO]
DETROIT (WWJ) - Police say a gunman who was thought to have been barricaded inside a northeast Detroit home during an hours-long standoff overnight has escaped following an argument with his child's mother.
The situation unfolded around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday when a woman's ex-boyfriend, 24-year-old Keith DeShawn Montgomery, showed up at her home on Brentwood Street, near 7 Mile Road and I-75. Police Commander Elvin Barren said an argument broke out almost immediately.
"The boyfriend makes the location, argues with his ex -- they do have a child in common," Barren told WWJ's Charlie Langton. "During the argument, the new boyfriend shows up to assist her."
Barren said Montgomery then turned his weapon on his former girlfriend's new love interest and fired several shots. The man was able to escape and called 911, asking for help.
"When the officers arrived, they could hear the arguing inside of the location, so they went in to assist," said Barren.
Police made their way inside and found the woman's two children, ages two and one. Both were removed from the home, unharmed, along with the woman. Montgomery then turned his anger toward the officers, said Barren, throwing concrete blocks at them and firing his weapon.
"Upon their entry, the suspect escalated by throwing those objects at the officers and then shots were fired," he said. "So that's a concern, the suspect knew the officers were in the location and he fired these shots."
The officers retreated from the home and called for backup. The SWAT team quickly arrived and surrounded the home as officers attempted to make contact with Montgomery. But after hours of negotiations went unanswered, officers discovered that Montgomery had escaped. Just before 7:30 a.m., officials confirmed that Montgomery evaded arrest.
"Keep in mind that in the beginning when the officers arrived, there was a moment where they were able to save the woman and the children and take cover," said Barren. "So, there's a possibility that he may have escaped during that lifesaving time frame with the children and the officers taking cover."
Investigators at the scene say the woman is not cooperating with police, which is making the situation even more difficult.
Barren couldn't say for sure what the former couple was arguing about, but officers have their suspicions.
"If I had to guess, probably with the new relationship that she has, maybe a little jealousy," he said.
No injuries have been reported. Residents were cautioned to stay inside their homes as the situation unfolded.
"Right now we're urging citizens to shelter in place, that's the safest location for them. Take shelter in maybe the lower portion of their homes and they'll be really safe," said Barren.
Montgomery remains at large and should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees him should dial 911 or call police at 313-596-1140.
Stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 and CBSDetroit.com for the latest.
