3rd person dies in Detroit barbershop shooting

DETROIT — Police say a third person has died following a shooting at a Detroit barbershop known for gambling that wounded several other people.

Sgt. Mike Woody said Thursday morning that the third person died at a hospital, but he didn’t immediately have details.

Shots erupted Wednesday evening outside Al’s Barber Shop on the city’s east side.

Police earlier said 10 people had been struck, including two who were inside the shop and died. Woody said Thursday morning that the total shot was nine.

A news conference is planned for later Thursday.

Police Chief James Craig earlier said officers are “not sure if this was over a bad debt.” Police have been looking for at least two people believed to have carried out the shooting.

The barbershop is known for gambling but it’s not clear whether that had anything to do with the gunfire, police say.

Police said two cars pulled up and people inside the vehicles started shooting at each other.

“Somehow someone shot into the building, and that’s when people rushed out of the building and were running into other area businesses for cover,” Miner said earlier Wednesday night.

Craig said those who were shooting “engaged a couple of victims” before “several shots were fired.” He said it’s not known if any of the victims fired back.

Police were looking for at least two people believed to have carried out the shooting, Miner said.

Craig said they also were trying to locate two vehicles that they think the shooters might have been using: a 2004 white Chevrolet Impala that possibly has a broken window and bullet holes in the back, and a 2004 black Impala.

Lorne Carter told the Detroit Free Press that he was smoking a cigarette against the wall of a nearby business when he heard what sounded like 30 to 40 shots.

“It sounded rapid,” Carter said.

The barbershop is in a strip mall along a major road. Nearby businesses include a Chinese restaurant, auto repair shops and a convenience store.

After the shooting, Elaine Williams waited behind yellow crime tape that police had used to cordon off several blocks around the scene. Her 29-year-old son had gone to the barbershop for a haircut, and she was frantic, The Detroit News reported.

“Help me find my son,” Williams cried.