How COVID-19 Hit the Detroit Police Department

The spread of coronavirus that has swept through the Detroit Police Department — infecting Chief James Craig and putting nearly 20% of sworn officers in quarantine — was in its early stages at an east side community event on March 6.

That Friday morning, the department's 9th Precinct hosted Police and Pancakes, a community event that drew about 100 people — police officers, high school students and community leaders, the Detroit Free Press reports.

In the weeks since, the event has emerged as one of the first known situations where officers were exposed. Three officers who attended have tested positive for COVID-19 and 30 to 40 were quarantined, said Assistant Chief David LeValley, who himself was quarantined after giving a speech at the event.