Detroit police officer shot; suspect killed

Detroit police officer shot; suspect killed
Officer injured pursuing carjacking suspect

By KORIE WILKINS
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

December 30, 2006

A Detroit police officer is in critical condition at a local hospital after being shot while trying to arrest a carjacking suspect.

The officer, who is assigned to the Western District, and his partner, were called to a carjacking of a Dodge sedan at a restaurant at 6 Mile and Livernois at about 3:15 a.m. Saturday, said Commander James W. Tolbert.

Tolbert said the officer and his partner spotted the Dodge near 6 Mile and Wyoming and chased it. The two suspects then jumped out of the vehicle in a parking lot on the 18000 block of Wyoming. One of the suspects pulled out a gun, Tolbert said, and fired at the officers — striking one in the face and abdomen. The other officer returned fire, killing the suspect, a Detroit man in his late-20s. Tolbert said the man had a history of felony convictions.

Neither the suspect’s nor the officer’s name is being released by police. Tolbert said he did not know how long the officer has been with the department.

The other suspect got away, but Tolbert said officers have a few people in custody in connection with the incident.

Neither the second suspect nor the other officer was wounded, Tolbert said.

My prayers are with the officer.

I know this is an old thread, but it's nice to hear about the recovery of the injured officer. Mods, please move this if necessary.

Cop back from near death

Honors due him, lifesaving partner

October 5, 2007


BY BEN SCHMITT
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER




The bullet is finally out of Detroit Police Officer John McKee's neck.
He's eating solid food. He's stronger than ever.


And he's coming back to work next week -- about nine months after a gunman shot him in the face and stomach.McKee, 35, says he wouldn't be here without his partner, Roy Gilbert, 42, who opened fire last year on the 25-year-old carjack suspect, killing him. Both officers were in the line of duty.
"I always tell him: 'You saved my life,' " McKee said. "I'm glad I had a partner like him."


Today, Police Chief Ella Bully-Cummings will present McKee with a Purple Heart and Gilbert with the medal of valor -- the department's highest honor for bravery -- during a ceremony at the department's Western District.


"Man, I can't put it into words," Gilbert said. "It's an honor."
McKee was shot about 3 a.m. Dec. 30 after he and Gilbert chased two men suspected in a carjacking at a west side Coney Island. One of the suspects shot McKee after the chase led to a parking lot on Wyoming near McNichols.


A bullet grazed Gilbert's jacket and knocked him to the ground.
He got up and shot the suspect several times, killing him.
"I kept yelling: 'How is McKee? How is McKee?' " Gilbert recalled Thursday in describing the aftermath. "That was the hardest emotion at the scene -- just wondering if my partner was going to make it."


McKee made it, but spent three painful weeks in Sinai-Grace Hospital, where he lost 40 pounds on a liquid diet.
He was extremely appreciative of the chief's visits.
"She was very nice, very concerned," he said.
Gilbert couldn't be happier to see his colleague returning.
"It's amazing," he said. "We're going to be thrilled to get him back."

Prayers sent for a speedy and full recovery. Amazing story...

My gracious! This trend has got to slow. Too many fine personnel are being taken out by thugs and lucky shots. I pray the officer's family and friends are comforted by the Creator's strong faith and love. My condolences to all! Another soldier for St Michael to protect the brethren. :(

Prayers en route

Great news about the officer's recovery!