GROSSE POINTE WOODS, Mich. (WXYZ) — An investigation is underway after a shooting involving a security officer in the parking lot of Henry Ford St. John Hospital in Grosse Pointe Woods late Thursday night, officials say.
Watch Peter Maxwell's video report:
Grosse Pointe Woods police told us the shooting happened just before midnight on Thursday. Michigan State Police says they were called in to assist Grosse Pointe Woods police with the investigation.
Law enforcement sources told 7 News Detroit reporter Peter Maxwell that the security officer encountered four suspects attempting to steal a vehicle. At least one of the suspects fired at the security officer, who returned fire and wounded the 17-year-old. The other three suspects fled the scene.
A spokesperson for Henry Ford confirmed Henry Ford St. John was placed on a brief lockdown following the shooting, which has since been lifted.
Video from the scene outside Henry Ford St. John Hospital below:
Henry Ford Health's full statement is below:
“Early this morning, someone opened fire on one of our officers at Henry Ford St. John Hospital while he was looking into reports of suspicious activity in our parking lot. Our officer fired back, hitting one of the suspects, who’s being treated at our hospital. Any questions about the remaining suspects or the investigation should be referred to authorities. The safety and wellbeing of our team members, patients and community is our top priority, and we are grateful our officer was unharmed.”
Henry Ford Health says Henry Ford St. John Hospital is open and operating as normal. Grosse Pointe Woods police said there is no threat to the public at this time.
Nearby residents on Bournemouth Road were jolted by the sound of rapid gunfire.
Courtney Willhite, who can see the hospital's parking lot from her backyard, said she and her fiancé were shaken for the rest of the night.
"We heard five shots really close in a row," Willhite said. "This was directly in our backyard. I was worried about my neighbors. We live again right by the hospital. Scary stuff happens, so we didn't know."
"This was very close, very loud and it scared the crap out of us."
Neighbor Sunday Fauci, who also lives on Bournemouth Road, said she was getting ready for bed when she heard the shots.
"So, I was getting ready for bed last night and I heard several what sounded like gun shots in rapid, rapid succession," Fauci said.
The shooting left Fauci unsettled enough to check her doors and sleep with the lights on.
