2 Detroit Police Officers Shot Responding To Burglary

DETROIT (WWJ) - Two Detroit police officers were shot late Sunday night after responding to a burglary call to a home in northwest Detroit.

The officers, both in their early 20s, were on the front porch when they were hit by a shotgun blast from inside the home on Lesure, near Eight Mile and Schafer roads.

One officer is listed in critical condition, with a gunshot wound to the face. He was having surgery Monday morning. The other officer was shot in the left arm and is expected to be released soon.

"We're optimistic ... we just had a conversation with both parents. Both parents are also optimistic," Police Chief James Craig said during a press conference Monday.

He added the shotgun was fired by someone who thought he was being burglarized. A young man saw flashlights and opened fire, not knowing they belonged to officers, police said.

The young man who fired the shot is "extremely remorseful," Craig said, adding the man who shot them just hopes the officers are going to be OK.

Craig says several calls were made to police Sunday about a possible burglary and when officers responded about 11:45 p.m. a 19-year-old man fired a shotgun from inside the home.

They were outside when they were fired upon. Craig says the shooter may not have realized police were at the door. Craig says the man, his mother and a sibling were taken into custody.

Craig was asked by several members of the media about whether the shooting could be legal under self defense laws. Craig said it's up to the prosecutor whether to press charges, but the law allows for a homeowner to defend themselves if they feel they're under "imminent threat."

He added he's not suggesting the officer, a newbie who loves his job, did anything wrong.