Holly MatkinDetroit, MI – A Detroit police officer was fatally shot while responding to a report of shots fired on Wednesday night.
The incident began at approximately 7:30 p.m. on July 6, when the Detroit Police Department’s (DPD) 2nd Precinct received a 911 call regarding a suspect “who was firing shots indiscriminately” in the area of Marlowe Street and Joy Road, DPD Chief James White told reporters later that night, according to WDIV.
Detroit Police Officer Loren Courts and his partner arrived at the scene two minutes later.
Chief White said the officers “immediately took fire from the subject, who was armed with a Draco Assault Rifle,” WDIV reported.
Officer Courts was hit by the suspect’s gunfire.
His partner returned fire, killing the gunman.
Officer Courts was rushed to Sinai-Grace Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds, WDIV reported.
“It is with a heavy heart that I have to inform our department and our community that we lost one of our heroes today,” Chief White said. “The department and the city is grieving.”
“The officers are heartbroken,” he continued. “They are constantly doing exactly what this community needs and what we want them to do, and that’s put their lives on the line and work very hard for this city and for this department day in and day out.”
The investigation into the fatal shooting remained ongoing, WDIV reported.
The suspect’s identity was not immediately released, nor was a motive.
Officer Courts, a five-year veteran of the DPD, came from a long line of law enforcement officers, according to Chief White.
His father recently retired from the department.
Officer Courts leaves behind his wife, Kristine, his nine-year-old daughter, and his 15-year-old son, WDIV reported.
“Their soul is crushed,” Chief White said, according to The Detroit News. “This is the worst day of their life. And Dad’s not coming home, husband’s not coming home. And it’s unacceptable, absolutely unacceptable.”
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said the community owes “a debt of gratitude to our fallen officer” that can never be repaid, The Detroit News reported.
“He gave his life to serve his city and keep his fellow Detroiters safe,” Duggan said. “Our entire city is holding his family in our hearts tonight and will be with them every step of the way in the difficult days ahead.”
Officer Loren Courts, a five-year veteran on the force was shot and killed today while responding to a 'shots fired call' on the Westside of Detroit. Courts' partner fired back and fatally wounded the suspect.
Our deepest condolences to his family and DPD comrades. pic.twitter.com/xyubnPULn5
— New Detroit Inc. (@NewDetroitInc) July 7, 2022
🙏 FINAL UPDATE: Tonight, we lost a hero. A beloved officer was shot and killed around 7:40 p.m. near Joy Rd. and Marlowe St.
The suspect was also shot and killed.
The 2nd Precinct officers were responding to a shots fired call around 7:30 p.m. 1/ pic.twitter.com/qGoEffCDT0
— Detroit Police News (@detroitpolice) July 7, 2022
#BREAKING: A Detroit police officer was shot on the city’s west side.
The incident occurred in the area of Joy Rd & Hubbell.
The officer is in very critical condition at this time after being struck in the neck. The suspect reportedly used an AK-47. The suspect was also shot pic.twitter.com/On84bavZ3g
— Macomb County Scanner (@Macomb_Scanner) July 7, 2022
My sincere condolences to everyone at the Detroit Police Department as well as the family and friends of the DPD Officer that was shot and killed in the line of duty tonight. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. ⬛️🟦⬛️ pic.twitter.com/kZWBkhhGgK
— Captain Dan Hyman (@captain_hyman) July 7, 2022
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