A popular and long-standing Detroit holiday tradition, Noel Night, was marred by violence tonight as three teens were shot outside of the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Two male teens, aged 14 and 15, as well as one 17 year old female were shot at approximately 7:40 p.m. Their injuries are not life-threatening and they were transported to a local hospital.
Initially, there was bedlam and confusion at John R. and Farnsworth streets in Midtown.
we had just walked past the science center when the mob came running and screaming. it was scary. def not orderly.
— Rebekah Albosta (@bekah_jan) December 3, 2017
I was right there.A black woman pushed me into the bushes and saved me from being trampled or shot. God and Goddess bless that woman.
— Rev.WhiteHawk Potter (@WhiteHawk247) December 3, 2017
The DIA’s Farnsworth entrance was locked down and crowds were directed out of Woodward. Although people were told that there was a shooting in the museum in the confusion, the incident actually occurred outside.
On scene: Talking to someone who was in DIA at time of incident, said security shuttled them out saying “There has been a shooting in the museum.” They didn’t hear the shooting upstairs. Was orderly. Museum staff professional.
— Daily Detroit (@TheDailyDetroit) December 3, 2017
Soon after, Detroit Police shut down Noel Night and imposed a curfew. Woodward, John R. and other streets were closed down. The QLINE was also closed for a short time.
On scene: DIA being emptied out Woodward entrance after double non-fatal shooting tonight. Brush blocked off with heavily armed officers. Noel Night has been “shut down” according DPD here. pic.twitter.com/Ce3uL5t70j
— Daily Detroit (@TheDailyDetroit) December 3, 2017
On scene: Detroit Police now actively flushing people out of area. Another EMS unit has arrived. pic.twitter.com/95JfqgkobM
— Daily Detroit (@TheDailyDetroit) December 3, 2017
In an interview with WXYZ-TV, Detroit Police Chief Craig condemned the violence.
“It’s ridiculous. – Why? For what?” said Chief Craig. “Why is there a need to use a weapon. We’re going to do as much as we can to ID the shooter.”
The suspect is still on the loose, and there’s not much to go on. Detroit Police are looking for someone with tan pants.
This was Noel Night’s 45th year. More than 100 businesses and venues open to welcome holiday revelers up and down Woodward in Detroit’s Midtown neighborhood.
Note: There is new information in regard to this incident. Read that here.