A man was shot and killed during an eviction Friday on Detroit’s west side.
The incident took place on Manderson Road around 11 a.m. Detroit police were “standing by” during the eviction accompanying bailiffs, according to Corporal Dan Donakowski. There was no answer at the location, he said, and bailiffs forcefully entered.
Inside, a male with what was believed to be a box cutter was “under mental distress,” he said. A Detroit police officer tased him but it did not restrain him.
“He proceeded to charge the bailiff, who fired shots, fatally wounding him,” Donakowski said.
It’s unclear how many bailiffs were on the scene.
The tenant was sitting on a bed and the situation is under investigation, according to WDIV Local 4.
Detroit’s 36th District Court approves a list of court officers whom landlords may hire to conduct an eviction. They are not employees of the court but rather independent contractors.
Court officers may obtain a license to carry a concealed firearm, according to the 36th District Court.
“The Court offers its support to the individuals involved and their families. We await further information from the Detroit Police Department as they work to uncover the details in this matter,” said Chief Judge William C. McConico in a statement on Friday.
This story will be updated as we learn more.
Evictions should be illegal.