Man involved in Detroit police shooting died from self-inflicted gunshot wound, police chief says

A 20-year-old man who was involved in a shooting with Detroit police on Wednesday died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Police Chief Todd Bettison.

Police initially said the man, identified as Anthony Boone, was fatally shot by officers who were serving a search warrant on the city's east side. However, in an update hours later, Bettison said body cam video determined that Boone shot himself.

Bettison said that at the time of the initial report, police had not yet fully reviewed the footage. He said the medical examiner will still determine the official cause of death.  

"When I briefed the media early, it was at the interest of transparency with the information that I had at the time," Bettison told reporters. "The video was not readily available when I was on scene. As soon as I was able to review the video, I've watched it at least 15 times, and it's clear to me that the subject shot himself in the head with a handgun."

The shooting happened around 2:08 p.m. in the 19000 block of Moross Street near Whitehall Street. 

Bettison confirmed that they were investigating Boone for allegedly firing shots into a home on Waltham Street on May 23, adding they have video evidence showing him shooting at the home. 

While executing a search warrant on Wednesday, police safely cleared two women and a child from the home before encountering a locked bedroom, Bettison said. When police reached for the locked door, Bettison said Boone fired one shot, which they now believe was the shot that resulted in his death.

Bettison said an officer "subsequently fired a shot, and it was almost simultaneous."

No officers were injured in the shooting. Bettison said the officer who fired the shot thought he struck Boone

"Just looking at the body-worn camera to seeing his (the officer's) reaction ... we know that the possibility is there, but you don't wake up with the intention of thinking 'I'm going to have to actually fire my weapon,' especially at another human," Bettison said.

Bettison said the case will be submitted to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office for review.

"My prayers go out to the mother, to the family, because it's just a lot of loss and they're going to need assistance in trauma-informed care and support as well, so I would hope that individuals wrap their arms around them," Bettison said.

Bettison said they are now searching for Boone's brother, 17-year-old Da'Mariko Ballard, who is accused of firing into the Waltham Street home.