DETROIT, MI — A bizarre and dangerous confrontation at a Detroit senior citizen apartment complex ended in gunfire Monday night, but not before an armed attacker had his weapon taken from him and used in self-defense — a real-world example of why the ability to act quickly under pressure can save lives.
Detroit police say the incident happened at the Sheridan Place Apartments on East Jefferson Street during what was first reported as a loud barbecue.
Residents later revealed the truth: it was a long-brewing love triangle between tenants in their 60s and 70s that escalated into violence.
According to multiple witnesses, a man in his early 70s became enraged that his former love interest — a 65-year-old woman known to neighbors as “Johnnie” — was dating a new boyfriend, himself in his 70s and in a wheelchair.
“He said he was gonna kill him, and that’s what he said he was going to do,” longtime resident Reginal Ervin told FOX 2 Detroit. Moments later, the suspect allegedly pulled a gun and shot Johnnie’s new boyfriend and two other bystanders.
That’s when the tables turned. The gunman was tackled by another resident, causing him to drop the weapon. The love interest in this tri fecta, Johnnie, picked up the gun and, in what police say was self-defense, shot her attacker — ending the threat before more people were hurt.
All four people struck by gunfire, including the shooter, were taken to the hospital and are expected to survive.
Residents say they aren’t a rowdy crowd, making the violence even more shocking. “We’re senior citizens. We’re supposed to retire, we’re supposed to have a good time, drink our daiquiris,” said neighbor Earnest Clark.
Detroit Assistant Chief Arnold Williams called the shooting “so ridiculous in nature that you can’t even explain it,” urging people to resolve conflicts without gunfire. Prosecutors have not yet announced any charges, but police confirmed Johnnie has been released without charges as the investigation continues.
For gun owners, the case is a reminder that danger can come without warning — even in the most unlikely settings — and that decisive action, including gaining control of an attacker’s weapon, can be the difference between life and death.
We are in dangerous times! We are NOT meeting our funding goals! Will you help out?
Detroit Photographer Proves Why 2nd Amendment Rights Still Matter in Real Life ~ VIDEO
Chicago Citgo Gas Station Defensive Shooting: Some Tactical Observations
Not ridiculous at all, just everyday behavior for blacks