Monday, November 12 2012 6:05 AM EST2012-11-12 11:05:36 GMT
A veteran Southfield police officer was shot and injured Sunday during a shootout inside the police department. The suspect, a 64-year-old Southfield man, died when police returned fire.
A Southfield Police officer was shot and injured Sunday afternoon, after a gunman opened fire inside police headquarters. Police returned fire, killing the 64-year-old suspect.
By Roop Raj Fox 2 News Reporter
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) -- "He would nod at you as he passed by," said Harold Moore. "Maybe he might attempt to say something to you, and he'd go and get his mail and go back to his apartment."
Friends of 64-year-old Harold Joseph Collins are talking about him. He had a mouth or throat disorder, making it hard for him to speak. Collins is the man that, according to authorities, walked into the Southfield Police Department on Sunday not saying a word, blankly staring at them. Police say he tried to fire off a shot.
"The weapon did not discharge at that time. The officers sought cover and called for assistance," said Southfield Police Chief Eric Hawkins.
We're told Collins was asked to drop the weapon, but didn't, instead firing at officers.
"There was an exchange of gunfire. One officer was struck in the shoulder. The suspect was struck multiple times," Hawkins explained.
A 27 year veteran of the department, who doesn't want to be identified, has been released from the hospital after being shot in the shoulder. Collins was shot dead by officers. The question, was it suicide by police?
"I won't make a conclusive statement on that, but I will say that based on the behavior of this individual, my opinion and the opinion of the investigating officers is that this person was struggling with some very serious internal issues," Hawkins said.
Collins lived at an apartment complex just about three or four miles away from the Southfield Police Department. We understand he just came back from the hospital after a month's stay there.
"Even though he couldn't speak, he had a polite gesture about himself," said Shaka Kuanda. "He had a polite walk about himself. He carried himself well."
"It's not just sad, it's unfortunate."
The Southfield Police Department is proud of the way this was handled following protocol, but they will review policy again.
"This is an example of how having well-trained and well-equipped officers can prevent a situation from becoming a massive tragedy," said Hawkins.
"He was a veteran... and he served our country," Moore said. "I think we should just pray for him and just understand that they still have problems and we should pay more attention to that now than we do. I think the veterans come home and we kind of let them fall to the wayside and we don't give them another thought."
We understand Collins' family is talking to Southfield Police and cooperating with them.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:21 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:21:52 GMT
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
Monday, June 17 2013 5:55 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:55:56 GMT
A new search for the remains of Jimmy Hoffa is underway in northern Oakland County. Armed with a search warrant, the FBI moved in Monday morning and started digging in Oakland Township.
A new search for the remains of Jimmy Hoffa is underway in northern Oakland County. Armed with a search warrant, the FBI moved in Monday morning and started digging in Oakland Township.
Friday, June 14 2013 10:25 PM EDT2013-06-15 02:25:13 GMT
A team led by a state-appointed emergency manager said Friday that Detroit is defaulting on about $2.5 billion in unsecured debt and is asking creditors to take about 10 cents on the dollar of what the city owes them.
A team led by a state-appointed emergency manager said Friday that Detroit is defaulting on about $2.5 billion in unsecured debt and is asking creditors to take about 10 cents on the dollar of what the city owes them.
Friday, June 14 2013 11:49 AM EDT2013-06-14 15:49:37 GMT
Authorities say hundreds of gallons of gasoline have spilled on the pavement and into the sewer at a Detroit gas station after at least one man confronted a fuel tanker driver.
Authorities say hundreds of gallons of gasoline were spilled on the pavement and into the sewer at a Detroit gas station after at least one man confronted a fuel tanker driver.
Monday, June 17 2013 9:27 PM EDT2013-06-18 01:27:07 GMT
The jury in the manslaughter trial of Detroit officer Joseph Weekley did not reach a verdict on Monday. The jury has now deliberated for two full days.
The jury in the manslaughter trial of Detroit officer Joseph Weekley did not reach a verdict on Monday. The jury has now deliberated for two full days.
Monday, June 17 2013 11:31 PM EDT2013-06-18 03:31:06 GMT
Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr is working on improving city services, including the streetlights. More than 40 percent of them do not work, but the Detroit Public Lighting Authority is now beginning its work.
As Kevyn Orr tries to solve Detroit's financial crisis, he is also working on improving city services, including the streetlights. More than 40 percent of them do not work, but the Detroit Public Lighting Authority is now beginning its work.
Monday, June 17 2013 10:43 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:43:12 GMT
He is a Detroit lawmaker serving his second term in the state House, but he may be spending a little too much time at his own house. M.L. Elrick puts state Rep. John Olumba's attendance record under the microscope.
He is a Detroit lawmaker serving his second term in the state House, but he may be spending a little too much time at his own house. M.L. Elrick puts state Rep. John Olumba's attendance record under the microscope.
Monday, June 17 2013 10:36 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:36:35 GMT
The FBI and local police have teamed up hoping to solve a 38-year-old murder mystery. They are searching an Oakland Township field looking for Jimmy Hoffa.
The FBI and local police have teamed up hoping to solve a 38-year-old murder mystery. They are searching an Oakland Township field looking for Jimmy Hoffa.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:45 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:45:07 GMT
In a surprising move, Tucker Cipriano pled no contest to murder in the beating death of his father. Cipriano made the plea just days before members of his own family were set to testify against him.
In a surprising move, Tucker Cipriano pled no contest to murder in the beating death of his father. Cipriano made the plea just days before members of his own family were set to testify against him.
Monday, June 17 2013 5:55 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:55:56 GMT
A new search for the remains of Jimmy Hoffa is underway in northern Oakland County. Armed with a search warrant, the FBI moved in Monday morning and started digging in Oakland Township.
A new search for the remains of Jimmy Hoffa is underway in northern Oakland County. Armed with a search warrant, the FBI moved in Monday morning and started digging in Oakland Township.
Monday, June 17 2013 4:56 PM EDT2013-06-17 20:56:42 GMT
General Motors is recalling more than 193,652 SUVs from the 2006 and 2007 model years because a circuit board in the driver's door could short and cause a fire.
General Motors is recalling more than 193,652 SUVs from the 2006 and 2007 model years because a circuit board in the driver's door could short and cause a fire.
