A barricaded gunman situation on Detroit’s east side ended Friday night after police shot the 42-year-old gunman, who took his girlfriend hostage Friday afternoon, Detroit Police Chief James Craig announced Saturday.
A sniper on the Detroit Police Department Special Response Team fired a single shot as the gunman became increasingly violent and posed a serious threat to the hostage’s life, Craig said.
The gunman died at the hospital an hour later, according to police. The hostage survived with no serious injuries.
The incident stemmed from a mental health crisis the gunman suffered after not taking his medication for 48 hours, police told the Detroit Free Press. He suffered from bipolar disorder and has a violent history.
Police officials said the gunman repeatedly pulled the hostage and pointed a gun at her back. The hostage cried repeatedly for help, police say.
