Todd Bettison

Activists in Detroit demanded the release of body camera footage from a police shooting involving 18-year-old Alonzo Lee-Perkins during the Ford Fireworks. Police claim Lee-Perkins was armed and fled, prompting an officer to shoot him. A temporary restraining order, linked to a lawsuit over a city ordinance requiring timely release of use-of-force footage, currently blocks the Detroit Police Department from disclosing the video.

A court order has blocked the Detroit Police Department from releasing body camera footage of a June shooting involving an 18-year-old, Alonzo Anthony Lee-Perkins, who was shot by officers after allegedly fleeing. Police stated an officer fired multiple times due to safety concerns, and Lee-Perkins faces charges including carrying a concealed weapon. A temporary court restriction, linked to a legal challenge over a city ordinance requiring bodycam release, prevents disclosure until the order is lifted.

Detroit City Council and a police oversight board are demanding Detroit Police Department (DPD) provide internal temperature records and a cooling system plan for the Detroit Detention Center, citing reports of excessive heat and hazardous air quality. Council Member Denzel Anton McCampbell and oversight board members have raised concerns about detainees' health, including seizures linked to high temperatures, and are seeking details on cooling measures and protocols.

A Detroit police officer shot an armed suspect who fired into a crowd during a fight outside a church funeral, injuring four people. All five victims, including the suspect, sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and the suspect was taken into custody. The incident occurred at Greater Love Tabernacle Church, with police already on alert due to potential violence at a nearby funeral home.

Detroit is installing over 3,000 new streetlights as part of the 'Brighten Up the Block' initiative to address dark mid-block areas, starting in the Regent Park neighborhood. The project, funded with $1 million from the mayor's administration and managed by the Public Lighting Authority, aims to improve safety for residents and first responders.

A 15-year-old boy is in custody for shooting a 5-year-old child in Detroit. The incident occurred at a playground; the child is recovering. Community tips aided the arrest, and no charges have been filed yet.

A minor is in custody after a 5-year-old boy was shot by a stray bullet at a Detroit playground. The incident occurred Tuesday night when a teenager allegedly fired shots into the air, striking the child in the arm. The boy received medical treatment and was released, while the investigation continues.

A 5-year-old boy was injured by a stray bullet while riding his bike in Detroit, with police identifying a person of interest who may have fired random shots. The boy is recovering physically but is traumatized, and neighbors report ongoing issues with gunfire and teen activity in the area.

A 5-year-old boy was shot in the arm on Detroit’s west side while riding his bicycle outside his home. Police Chief Todd Bettison confirmed a person of interest, described as a 15- to 16-year-old possibly wearing a mask, is under investigation, but no arrests have been made yet.

Three shootings occurred within an hour on Detroit's west side, resulting in two deaths and a severe injury to a 9-year-old boy. The incidents involved disputes leading to fatal shootings, with one suspect detained and another at large. ShotSpotter technology aided in responding to the third shooting, which injured the child.

A 9-year-old boy and his 20-year-old cousin were shot in Detroit's west side, leaving the cousin dead and the child hospitalized. The suspect remains at large, though police have a lead and federal agents are assisting the investigation. Residents expressed outrage and demanded community action following the incident.

Detroit Police detained 180 minors during the 2026 Ford Fireworks for curfew violations, with 171 from Detroit and nine from outside the city. An 18-year-old was shot by police during the arrest of a 19-year-old, both armed, and 19 additional arrests were made for offenses including concealed weapons. Police highlighted a 17.5% reduction in homicides and improved 9-1-1 response times.

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison addressed increased enforcement of minor curfew rules to address teen violence concerns during summer months. The department reported 103 curfew violations in April and 92 in May, with a spike of 180 violations during the Ford Fireworks event. Bettison emphasized connecting families with resources and support services, including parental responsibility courses and court-led interventions to address root causes of violations.

Detroit police detained 180 teens for curfew violations and confiscated firearms during Fourth of July fireworks, while an officer shot an 18-year-old during a foot pursuit. Police Chief Todd Bettison called the event one of the most peaceful in recent memory, though some residents criticized inconsistent curfew enforcement.

A Detroit police officer shot an 18-year-old man during a foot chase downtown after discovering a conversion-type assault weapon in a backpack. The suspect is in critical condition, while the officer involved was unharmed. Police emphasized no public threat and highlighted proactive security measures during the Ford Fireworks event.

Detroit Police Department is considering expanding gunshot detection technology ShotSpotter into downtown and southwest areas through a new Request for Proposal (RFP). The current contract extension does not include geographic expansion, but the RFP aims to select a vendor for coverage in precincts 3, 4, and 7. The Detroit Police Chief and representatives did not mention the expansion during recent council hearings.

Detroit is using ShotSpotter, a gunshot detection technology, to aid police in responding to shootings, with claims of improved crime resolution rates. However, critics question its effectiveness and high cost, while a study found initial reductions in 911 calls for gunshots that later reverted to prior levels. The city is spending $2.06 million for a contract extension while evaluating alternatives.

Detroit Police Department seeks a $2.06 million nine-month extension for its ShotSpotter contract with SoundThinking, Inc., which expires in June 2025. Advocates and lawmakers have raised concerns about the technology's privacy and efficacy, citing low recovery rates for evidence and minimal victim aid. Police officials argue the technology has reduced gun crime and aided investigations, while also seeking new vendors through a Request for Proposal.