DETROIT — We are learning more about a Wayne State University police officer who was shot in the head Tuesday and then died early Wednesday evening.
The officer is identified as Collin Rose, 29, a native of Kalamazoo. Rose graduated from Gull Lake High School and went to Ferris State University, earning his degree in 2010. Rose was a five-year veteran of the force and worked in the university’s K-9 unit. He had plans to get married next year.
Detroit’s police chief said Rose was originally in critical condition after being shot while on duty near the campus. Around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, he was investigating car break-ins reported in the area. Chief Tony Holt said Rose called for backup.
“He was about to investigate and question a suspect, and shortly afterward he was shot in the head,” Holt told news media on Wednesday.
Witnesses reported hearing shouting followed by three gunshots. The backup officers located Rose. Officer Rose was then hospitalized and rushed into surgery at approximately 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.
The Detroit Police named DeAngelo Davis as a person of interest in the shooting. He was taken into custody shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday.
A man who lives near the spot where the officer was shot says he woke up to the sound of hollering and heard three shots being fired.
Jacob Bolton, 30, tells The Associated Press he first thought he was dreaming but then heard the shots and “it was boom, boom, boom.” Bolton says he lives within two blocks of where the shooting occurred, and when he stepped outside, police officers were already on the scene carrying rifles.
Chief Holt said of Rose, “He’s ingrained in the community.”
He added, “He works with the community. He does a lot of community service. He goes to school. He talks to kids. He does demonstrations with his canine. He reaches out to slain officers all over the country.”
Wayne State has more than 27,000 students and is located in the heart Detroit.
The shooting follows four recent incidents in which law enforcement officers were shot.
A detective was fatally shot in San Antonio, Texas, on Sunday. Also Sunday, police officers were shot in St. Louis, in Gladstone, Missouri, and in Sanibel, Florida.
This is a developing story, stay tuned for further updates.
The Associated Press and FOX 2 contributed to this report
