Accused shoplifter shot at by store clerk dies after jumping onto freeway, MI cops say

Officers in Michigan are “demanding accountability” following the death of an accused shoplifter, who police say was shot at by a store clerk.

The license of the Mobil gas station on West McNichols Road in Detroit has now been suspended after the Dec. 11 incident, Deputy Police Chief Franklin Hayes said during a Dec. 16 news briefing streamed by WDIV.

Hayes said the store clerk came from behind the glass at the gas station, then went outside and began shooting at the suspected shoplifter.

“Those actions, putting this community in danger, is not OK,” Hayes said. “It is not acceptable.”

The victim, identified by WXYZ as Tony Williams, 38, jumped onto Lodge Freeway as he tried to flee from the clerk, the station reported.

He died from injuries sustained in the fall, WJBK reported.

Hayes called the actions of the store clerk “reprehensible.” The store worker was arrested, WDIV reported, and the deputy chief said a warrant was submitted to the Wayne County Prosecutors Office.

“No business in the city of Detroit will be allowed to operate and do what was done here,” Hayes said in the news briefing.

A day before authorities shut down the business, family members of Williams chanted “shut it down” outside the gas station, according to WXYZ.

“We wanted justice to be serve, and justice is being served. I’m thankful for that,” Tuan Williams, the victim’s brother, told the news outlet.

This story was originally published December 17, 2024 at 7:54 AM with the headline "Accused shoplifter shot at by store clerk dies after jumping onto freeway, MI cops say."