Overview
- Police confronted a suspected shoplifter at the Meijer on Fort Street and say the person produced a sharp object before an officer fired; the person was taken to a hospital and later died.
- The shooting happened Saturday afternoon on June 27 in the store’s parking lot and officers from Southgate, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, and Michigan State Police responded to the scene.
- Michigan State Police are leading an active, multi-agency investigation and the officer who fired has been placed on administrative leave pending the review.
- Investigators cordoned part of the Meijer parking lot while they processed the scene during the area’s annual Downriver Cruise, which left the lot busy with shoppers and event attendees.
- Authorities have not released the victim’s identity, the exact nature of the sharp object, or a full timeline of events, and officials say more details will be released as the investigation continues.