Store employee, two customers injured in accidental shooting at Detroit's Eastern Market, police say
Three people were injured in an accidental shooting Wednesday at Detroit's Eastern Market, according to police.
The shooting happened at Al's Fresh Fish & Chicken on Russell Street. Detroit police say a store employee, 56, claimed he found a gun and mishandled the weapon, shooting himself in the hand.
First Assistant Chief Charles Fitzgerald says the bullet that struck the employee went through a doorway and hit two customers, ages 33 and 46. One of the customers suffered a gunshot wound in the left forearm area, and the other was grazed on the wrist, according to police.
Fitzgerald says the three people suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
"One of the craziest, silliest things I've seen in quite some time," Fitzgerald said.
He added, "The bottom line is if you don't know how to handle a weapon, don't handle a weapon, because we've not got two other individuals who were just in the store trying to buy stuff. And now they've got to deal with a gunshot wound, no matter how minor it is."
Fitzgerald says one person was transported to a hospital. He says an investigation is ongoing, and they will submit their findings to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office for review.
Residents say the incident is another situation where they have to watch their surroundings.
"Considering how many things have been happening in Eastern Market, especially with the Lions (shooting) incident not that long ago, a year ago, you have to just keep looking both ways," said Don Martin, who works nearby.
"It could've been me. Sometimes, I buy meat out of there. I'm just glad nobody got killed," said Larry Whitfield. "It's crime everywhere. You just got to be safe. You have to watch your back."
