2-year-old killed, child, 9, injured in shooting on I-75 in Detroit

Michigan State Police are investigating a shooting Thursday night on Interstate 75 in Detroit that left one child dead and another injured, with Detroit's police chief vowing to "help get this monster off the street."  

Metro South Post and Special Investigation detectives responded to the scene in the southbound lanes near McNichols, state police reported on Twitter at about 10 p.m. 

The victims, ages 2 and 9, were transported to Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit, said First Lt. Mike Shaw, a spokesman for MSP. The 2-year-old boy later died, Shaw said.

"This is certainly the worst day of the family's life," said Detroit interim police Chief James White. "I cannot fathom what they must be going through."

White held a late-night press conference outside the hospital and called for tips to capture the shooter. Police are looking for a late-model silver Chrysler 300 with no license plate, last seen on I-75 near John R. in the city, he said.

"This happened on the freeway, so MSP has jurisdiction over the case, but the Detroit Police Department homicide section is here to support and assist in the investigation to help get this monster off the street," he said. "Anybody that saw anything … please notify the Detroit Police Department or Michigan State Police."

Shaw said it was "too early to tell" if the children were targeted or the shooting resulted from road rage.

Early Friday, state police said the driver entered southbound I-75 from Seven Mile and a light-colored, four-door vehicle pulled alongside. Someone inside fired shots, and the driver pulled over at McNichols and saw both children in the vehicle had been shot.

The 9-year-old boy initially was listed in serious condition but has since been released from the hospital, state police said Friday afternoon.

"Detectives are continuing to work and make progress on this investigation," state police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call MSP at (734) 287-5000 or 855-MICH-TIP.

The shooting came shortly before another gunfire incident Thursday night involving two victims on the Southfield Freeway.

"Two victims went to St. Mary’s Hospital in Livonia and DPD is at the hospital with them," state police tweeted.

The incidents came a day after a van was shot at on the Southfield Freeway. Police have investigated multiple shootings on regional roadways in recent months.