A two-year-old child is recovering in the hospital after being caught in the crossfire of a violent domestic dispute on Detroit’s east side. The incident occurred during a shootout that involved an ex-boyfriend and a new boyfriend in what authorities are calling a domestic dispute that escalated into gunfire. The Detroit Police Department is actively searching for one of the suspects, 27-year-old Darius Lacy, who is believed to be responsible for the shooting that injured the child.

The Shooting Incident

The shooting took place on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 26, in the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood, located on the city’s east side. Police were called to the scene just before 7:00 PM to reports of gunfire at an apartment complex on Dickerson Street. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found evidence of a violent exchange, including at least 15 spent shell casings scattered around the area.

According to investigators, the shooting occurred when the two-year-old boy’s mother’s ex-boyfriend came to the apartment to pick up some personal belongings. An argument ensued between the ex-boyfriend and the woman’s new boyfriend, escalating quickly into a shootout between the two men. During the exchange of gunfire, the child, who was inside the home, was struck in the leg by a bullet. The bullet went through the child’s leg but fortunately did not cause life-threatening injuries.

The child was immediately taken to the hospital by a family member, and authorities have since reported that the toddler is expected to make a full recovery. The incident, however, has left the family shaken, with police emphasizing the reckless nature of the shooting that endangered the life of a child.

The Suspects and Investigation

The Detroit Police Department quickly identified the ex-boyfriend, 27-year-old Darius Lacy, as the primary suspect in the shooting. Authorities believe that Lacy was the one who initiated the gunfire that struck the child. Following the shootout, Lacy fled the scene in a black Dodge Charger, accompanied by two other individuals. Police have launched an intensive search effort to locate him and bring him into custody. As of the latest reports, Lacy remains at large, with law enforcement using air units and other resources to track him down.

In contrast, the other individual involved in the shootout, the new boyfriend of the child’s mother, has already turned himself in to authorities. Police have not disclosed whether he will face any charges, but his cooperation with the investigation has been noted.

Interim Detroit Police Chief James White assured the public that the search for Lacy is a top priority, and investigators are confident they will locate him soon. “We expect to have Mr. Lacy in custody shortly,” White said during a press conference. The department has vowed to use all available assets in their pursuit of Lacy, including air units and specialized teams, as they continue to piece together the details of the incident.

The Aftermath and Community Impact

The shooting has deeply impacted the local community, particularly residents of the Jefferson Chalmers area, who have been shaken by the violence. While the police have cleared the scene of the shooting, the tension remains high as the search for Lacy continues.

Detroit’s east side has long struggled with crime, and this incident highlights the dangerous consequences of domestic disputes that escalate into violence. The shooting of a two-year-old in such a reckless manner has sparked outrage in the community, with many expressing concerns about the safety of children in neighborhoods where gun violence is prevalent.

The Detroit Police Department has been working closely with local community leaders to address concerns and increase safety in the area. In the wake of the shooting, there have been renewed calls for better violence prevention strategies and stronger efforts to keep firearms out of the hands of individuals involved in domestic disputes.

As of now, the investigation is ongoing, with authorities piecing together evidence from the scene and conducting interviews with witnesses. The shooting is still being treated as an active case, and police are urging anyone with information about Lacy’s whereabouts to come forward.

Conclusion

The shooting of a two-year-old child in Detroit serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of gun violence and the tragic impact it can have on innocent lives. The investigation into the incident continues, and the Detroit Police Department is focused on apprehending the suspect, Darius Lacy, and ensuring justice for the child and their family. As the manhunt intensifies, the community and law enforcement remain hopeful that Lacy will soon be brought to justice, and that the tragic event will serve as a catalyst for greater efforts to combat violence in the city.