safety
Detroit police chief: Man with gun shot by officers downtown in critical condition
By Natalia Escalante at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News
· June 22, 2026
· 2 min read
A person was shot by a Detroit police officer during a foot pursuit downtown Monday evening, the chief said.The shooting happened around 6:25 p.m. in the area of Bates and Farmer Streets near Campus Martius Park. Watch our video report below: Detroit police chief speaks on shooting near Campus Ma...
Key takeaway Watch our video report below: Detroit police chief speaks on shooting near Campus MartiusPolice Chief Todd Bettison said officers saw a group of young men with a backpack that looked heavy.
Why this matters in The Detroit
The shooting near Campus Martius Park raises concerns about public safety in downtown Detroit, particularly during large events like the Ford Fireworks. With multiple law enforcement agencies already present in the area, the incident highlights the complexities of policing in a crowded and festive environment. The fact that the suspect was able to possess a weapon in a supposedly "weapons-free" zone also underscores the challenges faced by police in preventing gun violence. Chief Bettison's emphasis on the department's proactive approach is reassuring, but the incident will likely prompt a review of security protocols for future events. As the city continues to revitalize its downtown area and attract more visitors, ensuring public safety will be crucial to maintaining a positive and welcoming atmosphere. The incident will also likely spark discussions about the effectiveness of current measures to prevent gun violence in the city.
About this story
Original reporting by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A person was shot by a Detroit police officer during a foot pursuit downtown Monday evening, the chief said.The shooting happened around 6:25 p.m. in the area of Bates and Farmer Streets near Campus Martius Park. Watch our video report below: Detroit police chief speaks on shooting near Campus Ma...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Natalia Escalante at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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