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.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:22 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:22:57 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing dozens and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing dozens and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:05 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:05:51 GMT
Detroit ditto heads rejoice. Your leader is interested in news in Detroit, at least enough to qualify a report on a large Powerball jackpot as more proof that 'low-information outreach' is working.
Detroit ditto heads rejoice. Your leader is interested in news in Detroit, at least enough to qualify a report on a large Powerball jackpot as more proof that 'low-information outreach' is working.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 3:43 PM EDT2013-05-21 19:43:35 GMT
Brian Woehlke and his family
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:25 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:25:11 GMT
The American Red Cross is working in a variety of ways and from several different areas of the country to help the victims of the tornadoes which struck in the nation's heartland.
The American Red Cross is working in a variety of ways and from several different areas of the country to help the victims of the tornadoes which struck in the nation's heartland.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:23 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:23:14 GMT
Basehunters, a storm chasing team from Norman, Okla., captured over three minutes worth of video showing Monday's deadly monster tornado that roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs.
Basehunters, a storm chasing team from Norman, Okla., captured over three minutes worth of video showing Monday's deadly monster tornado that roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:22 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:22:57 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing dozens and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing dozens and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
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.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:20 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:20:23 GMT
Trained Salvation Army counselors are being mobilized to head down to the tornado disaster area in Oklahoma to not only help with the victims, but the first responders, as well.
Trained Salvation Army counselors are being mobilized to head down to the tornado disaster area in Oklahoma to not only help with the victims, but the first responders, as well.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 4:38 PM EDT2013-05-21 20:38:20 GMT
Crews across the river in Windsor are battling a raging fire that's burning at a warehouse in the 700 block of Sprucewood Avenue.
Crews across the river in Windsor are battling a raging fire that's burning at a warehouse in the 700 block of Sprucewood Avenue. Thick black smoke and flames can be seen for miles. The Windsor Star is
