A Detroit postal worker was injured Wednesday afternoon after a group approached him while he was making his regular route, leading to a physical confrontation and a gun being fired, police said.
The incident happened around 5:10 p.m. Oct. 7 near JoAnn Avenue and Collingham Drive on Detroit’s east side. Officers were sent to the area after a ShotSpotter alert and a 911 call reporting gunfire.
Police said a group of people approached the postal worker as he was working. The situation escalated into a physical altercation, and one person fired a gun during the confrontation.
Initial reports indicated the worker may have been shot. Investigators later determined that he was not struck by the gunfire. He was taken to a Metro Detroit hospital, where he was treated for a laceration.
No one was hit by the gunfire, according to police.
Four people were taken into custody in connection with the incident. Police said the group includes three adults and one juvenile. A firearm was recovered, and investigators also found additional evidence several blocks away that they believe may be connected to the case.
The confrontation happened along a residential stretch of JoAnn Avenue, where neighbors were outside when the postal worker came through his usual route.
Kelly Robinson, who lives in the area, said she recognized the carrier and had stepped inside to get him a drink shortly before the confrontation. She said she then heard the interaction and realized something was wrong.
Robinson recalled hearing the postal worker say, “No, I don’t want to fight you guys. You got a gun.”
The investigation continued Wednesday evening as officers searched the surrounding area for evidence. A police canine also assisted investigators during the search.
Postal inspectors are assisting Detroit police with the investigation. Michigan State Police, Homeland Security and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are also involved.
The circumstances that led to the confrontation, including what prompted the group to approach the postal worker, remain under investigation. Authorities have not indicated that anyone was struck by the gunfire.
The investigation remains active as police work to determine exactly what happened before the physical confrontation and identify the role of each person taken into custody.
