Police Chief Cites 'Anti-Police Rhetoric' As Violence Grows

DETROIT, MI – Following a week of increased violence towards police officers in Detroit, Police Chief James Craig is calling for the violence to end.

Speaking at a news conference Monday, Craig discussed several recent police-involved shooting incidents.

In less than a week, there were four incidents where officers were fired upon or had a weapon pointed at them, making it the sixth incident this year, Craig said. In 2020, there were a total of 12 similar incidents.

"It really is a miracle that through these multiple incidents none of our officers or members of our community have been killed or seriously injured," he said.

Craig attributed the increase in violence toward officers to anti-police rhetoric following the death of George Floydin Minneapolis last year, and also the pandemic.

Over the weekend, officers were fired upon after attempting a traffic stop on a Buick Lacrosse after witnessing the drive back into a vehicle and leave the scene. Five people were arrested or detained.

On March 4 around 5 p.m., a man pointed an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle and employees at a Sunoco gas station. When officers arrived, the man began running toward officers. A single gunshot was fired. Anthony Win was charged with felony possession of a firearm and is currently awaiting arraignment, according to Craig.

"We also learned that Mr. Win wanted police to kill him," Craig said. "He then thanked our officers for not doing so."

On Monday, there were two assaults against officers. Around 9:45 a.m. March 1, a murder suspect from Ohio, Chandra Moore, fired multiple rounds at officers as they attempted to arrest him. Moore died Friday from injuries sustained during the shootout.

That same day, around 12:30 p.m., an off-duty officer was fired upon by a man during what police believe was a road rage incident. A person of interest was arrested but has since been released, Craig said.

"I've never seen a week like last week," he said. "These senseless acts of violence against our officers must end."