3-year-old dies after drive-by shooting on Southfield Freeway

Detroit — A 3-year-old has died after he was struck by a bullet that pierced the car he was traveling in Thursday night on the Southfield Freeway.

Michigan State Police officials said the toddler died Friday morning at Children's Hospital. The child was struck by a bullet between his shoulder blades while sitting in a child's car seat.

They also said the child and his mother were in a Dodge Journey being driven by the victim's godmother.

Authorities said they continue to investigate and have not determined the motive for the shooting. 

However, they said they are looking for a light-colored four-door vehicle in connection with the shooting, and the driver suspected in the shooting is described as a light-skinned male with a full beard.

Police said the vehicle headed northbound near Joy and Plymouth roads about 7 p.m. Thursday on the city's west side when someone opened fire on her car in what investigators describe as a drive-by shooting.

"I would probably say some prayers tonight," First Lt. Michael Shaw of the Michigan State Police told Fox 2 Thursday night. "It is not looking very promising."

The vehicle's driver, who was not injured, pulled off the exit to Plymouth Road and into a gas station, where a relative called 911, police said.

MSP had helicopters overhead after the incident and closed the freeway for hours as K-9 units swept the area for evidence.

The freeway was reopened by midnight as evidence techs cleared the scene. The mother's vehicle was impounded.

Anyone with information on the shooting is being asked to call the MSP Metro South post at (734) 368-8290.

srahal@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @SarahRahal_