Authorities announced Wednesday night that a police officer and a suspect were killed in a shooting incident on Detroit's westside.
According to the Detroit Police Department, the officer was shot to death at 7:40 p.m. (local time). Police responded to a call for shots fired and found a suspect exiting a building with a gun. The suspect was then shot multiple times by four officers.
The officer, who was seriously injured, was taken to the hospital where he later died. The officer was identified by police as Loren Courts and the suspect as Ehmani Mack Davis, 19 years old.
In a Thursday release, Chief James White of Detroit Police said that "This is a sad day for the Detroit Police Department." Officer Courts is a hero to his family, community and friends. He gave his life for others. His two children will remember him as a loving officer, father and husband.
White stated in a Wednesday briefing, that Courts is a five year veteran whose father also served in the department.
White stated that White is a descendant of a long line of law enforcement officers. White said that his father was also a retired officer in the department.
Thursday's police report stated that Courts' partner Officer Amanda Hudgens immediately offered him assistance, "selflessly putting herself at risk"
It was not clear what the exact circumstances of the shooting were. White stated that there were no other injuries.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan stated that the senseless violence inflicting our country had hit too close to home. We owe a debt to our fallen officer that we cannot repay. He gave his life for his city and to keep his fellow Detroiters safe. We hold his family close tonight and will continue to be there for them in these difficult days.
Michigan Governor. Michigan Governor.
He loved his job and wore his uniform every day to protect his community. Whitmer stated that he made the ultimate sacrifice yesterday in the line-of-duty. "Officer Courts was a Detroit police officer of second generation. He was an heir to his father's footsteps, and was a hero for all who knew him, including his wife and children.
