In the evening hours of November 2, 1987, a domestic disturbance call led to a tragic end for a young Detroit police officer. Andre Barksdale, a 22-year-old male, had been with the Detroit Police Department for two years when he responded to a call at a residence on Blackstone Street.
Upon arrival, Officer Barksdale encountered a volatile scene. A man was in the process of attacking his own six-month-old child. As Barksdale intervened, a struggle ensued. During the altercation, the suspect managed to gain control of Officer Barksdale's service weapon. The suspect fatally shot Barksdale and also killed his infant child.
Another officer at the scene witnessed the events and returned fire, killing the suspect. Officer Barksdale was survived by his three-year-old son, his mother, two brothers, and three sisters. As the suspect was killed at the scene, there were no subsequent arrests or trial.
