DETROIT, MI — A community is reeling and hearts are heavy following a disturbing early morning shooting that left an 11-year-old child injured in Detroit. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, July 20, 2025, has shaken local residents and sparked renewed concern over gun violence and the safety of children in the city.
At precisely 1:49 a.m., the Detroit Police Department (DPD) received a ShotSpotter detection alert, indicating gunfire in the area of Bramell and Puritan on the city’s west side. Officers from the 8th Precinct quickly responded to the alert and, upon arrival at the 16100 block of Bramell x Puritan, discovered the unthinkable—a young child suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Realizing the life-threatening severity of the injuries and with no time to spare, Scout Car 858 made the critical decision to transport the child directly to Sinai-Grace Hospital. Other DPD units acted swiftly to clear a path through traffic, ensuring the child was delivered to medical personnel as quickly as possible. This heroic and coordinated response by officers may have played a pivotal role in saving the child’s life.
While Detroit Fire Department (DFD) and EMS units had initially been dispatched to the scene, they were canceled after learning that officers had already begun the emergency conveyance of the victim to the hospital.
At approximately 2:30 a.m., DPD Evidence Technicians arrived at the scene to begin processing the area as part of an official investigation into the non-fatal shooting. Crime scene investigators were seen combing the area for shell casings, collecting surveillance footage, and speaking with potential witnesses.
At this time, no suspects have been publicly identified, and police have not released additional details regarding the circumstances that led up to the shooting. It is unclear whether the child was the intended target or an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to help bring justice to the victim and accountability to those responsible.
The community around Bramell and Puritan is in shock. Neighbors described being woken by the sound of gunfire, only to learn moments later that a child had been seriously injured. Community leaders and residents alike have expressed outrage and heartbreak, calling for increased efforts to address gun violence and protect vulnerable members of the community.
“This is unacceptable,” said one resident. “Children should not be afraid to live, sleep, or play in their own neighborhoods. We have to do better.”
The child’s current condition has not been officially released, but sources indicate that he remains under medical care at Sinai-Grace Hospital. Family members are reportedly by his side as he fights to recover from his injuries.
As the investigation continues, DPD is asking anyone who may have heard or seen anything suspicious in the area around the time of the shooting to contact the department or submit tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers. Even the smallest piece of information may help detectives move closer to answers in this tragic and troubling case.
This heartbreaking incident stands as another sobering reminder of the toll gun violence continues to take—especially on Detroit’s youth. As the city calls for peace and healing, all eyes are now on justice for this innocent 11-year-old whose life was forever changed in the dark of night.
If you have information, contact DPD or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously online.
Please keep this young boy and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
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