Watch CBS News

Chief: Suspect Who Shot Wayne State Officer Has History Of Conflict With Police [VIDEO]

DETROIT (WWJ) - Authorities say the man suspected of shooting a Wayne State University police officer in the head has a history of conflict with police.

Deangelo Lamarr Davis was taken into custody Tuesday night in the shooting of Officer Collin Rose. Wayne State University Police Chief Tony Holt said Davis was picked up on outstanding misdemeanor warrants, but has not yet been charged in Rose's shooting.

Rose, a five-year veteran of the department who works in the canine unit, was on duty Tuesday evening when he radioed to say he was investigating possible thefts of navigation systems from cars and SUVs, and was about to speak to someone apparently on a bike, according to Detroit Police Chief James Craig.

Officers who arrived on the scene, in the area of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Trumbull, found Rose on the ground with a gunshot wound to the head, Craig said.

Shortly after the shooting, Davis was named as a person of interest and was taken into custody about three blocks from where the shooting happened. On Wednesday morning, Holt officially labeled Davis a suspect.

"Let's not play with it," said Holt. "He is a suspect."

Holt also said police have had contact with Davis in the past -- a "couple of incidents" in 2011 and another incident in 2014.

"It was assaultive type crimes against police officers," Holt said, answering "yes" when a reporter asked if the officers involved were members of the Wayne State Police Department. "He was disorderly. The one I remember, he was blocking traffic in the middle of the street, and when he was politely asked to leave the location, he decided not to. ... One officer sustained minor injuries during a scuffle."

Holt, however, said it doesn't appear that Davis targeted Rose.

"I don't believe it was an ambush. I don't believe he was specifically targeted. I believe the officer was making a stop and what occurred after that, I'm not really sure," said Holt. "What led to him being stopped, that's still being investigated. Obviously, we can't speak to Officer Rose. So, we'll put the pieces together."

Sgt. Cary Glazer, who runs a plain clothes unit, said he had contact with the suspect in 2011.

"I didn't know who he was, and he was walking on 2nd Avenue just north of Peterboro and he was walking up the middle of the street and telling me to get out of the way in my patrol car. He was cursing at me," Glazer told WWJ's Vickie Thomas. "When I arrested him, I believe he either was charged or had served time for assault with intent to commit murder. His explosive temper -- once I heard he was a suspect, it didn't surprise me."

[Wayne State Officer Recovering After Being Shot In Head; Suspect Under Interrogation]

Holt said Rose's current condition is "very grave."

"He's on heavy medication and a ventilator," he said. "His fiancee was right there and the parents are here also."

Detroit Police Assistant Chief Steve Dolunt said Rose was not shot with his own gun; police are still looking for the weapon used. A $5,000 reward is being offered for any information leading to the recovery of the weapon.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.