Spirit Halloween shooting in Madison Heights leaves one man dead

A 21-year-old man from Detroit died after being shot inside a Spirit Halloween store on Friday afternoon.

Madison Heights police identified the victim as a resident of Detroit who was acquainted with the suspect. The alleged shooter, a 21-year-old man from Oak Park, was hospitalized for minor injuries following an assault by the victim's family. He remains in police custody while investigators prepare to seek criminal charges. The incident occurred after 2 p.m. in the 32000 block of John R Road.

Police state the two men became involved in an altercation during which the suspect fired multiple shots. Chief Brent Lemerise confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public. Lemerise noted that investigators are determining if the shooter was legally permitted to carry a firearm and whether he had received firearms training.

Cassandra Lainer was inside the store with her daughter when she heard the gunfire. She described hearing the shots coming from the front of the store while she stood in the middle section. Lainer said her immediate thought was how to leave the area and get home. Police are asking witnesses with video footage to contact Detective Sgt. Kari Randolph at 248-837-2737.

Lemerise advised the public to use standard gun safety measures and remain aware of their surroundings. He suggested that people move away from the source of gunshots and call 911 immediately. The dispatcher can then provide specific guidance on how to proceed during the incident.