On the afternoon of March 11, 2016, a violent incident unfolded in a residential neighborhood on Detroit’s west side, claiming the life of a 65-year-old African American man identified as John Smith. The events transpired around 3:15 p.m. in the 2600 block of Hazelwood Street, located near the intersection of Linwood Street and Interstate 96. Mr.
Smith was gathered with a group of other men on the front porch of a home, enjoying the unseasonably warm weather, when the quiet afternoon was shattered by gunfire.
According to reports from the Detroit Police Department, a black Dodge Journey, described as a smaller SUV, pulled up in front of the residence. Two gunmen inside the vehicle rolled down the windows and opened fire on the group. Witnesses described a chaotic scene where the assailants continued shooting until their weapons were empty. Mr. Smith, who reportedly had difficulty moving quickly, was struck by bullets before he could retreat up the stairs to the safety of the house. He sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. Three other men, ranging in age from their 40s to their 50s, were also wounded in the attack and were subsequently rushed to area hospitals for treatment.
Assistant Police Chief Steve Dolunt responded to the scene, characterizing the shooting as "sickening" and noting the presence of children in the area who could have easily been harmed. Investigators initially suspected the shooting might have been an act of retribution, though they believed the victims on the porch, including Mr. Smith, may have been innocent bystanders caught in the violence. Police launched a search for the suspects and the black Dodge Journey, which witnesses stated might have had "Z28" included in its license plate number. At the time of the initial investigation, no immediate arrests were announced, and law enforcement urged the community to come forward with information regarding the shooters who had fired indiscriminately into the group.
