Detroit father killed, 4-year-old son shot while learning to ride a bike

DETROIT (WJBK) - While learning to ride his new bicycle, a 4-year-old boy was shot and his father killed on Detroit's west side Saturday afternoon.

Two men wearing black ski masks drove a gray SUV up to the home on the 18300 block of Monica Street between Curtis Street and Pickford Avenue on Saturday, where they began firing an assault rifle.

Police said they targeted the child first, hitting him in the leg, then shot at the father. The child suffered a graze wound, while the father was rushed to the hospital, where he died from his injuries.

The 4-year-old is the third child to be shot in Detroit since Easter.

"With another child shot here in the City of Detroit, another ridiculous day," said Detroit First Assistant Police Chief Lashinda Stair.

Neighbor Gene Williams said he heard what he called a popping noise as the shooting took place.

"I came out and seen everybody down the street, girls screaming and a man laying down on the ground," he said.

Detroit resident Joshua Thompson said it's time for the violence in the city to stop.

"This black-on-black crime has to stop," he said. "It's to the point where I don't even want to live here anymore."

Police are searching for a gray SUV -- either a Chevy or a KIA -- with no license plate on the back. As the investigation continues, those with any information regarding the incident are encouraged to call police immediately.