3 shot, 2 arrested after gunfight at Ypsilanti Township Elks Lodge
The suspect that was still on the loose after a gunfight broke out early Saturday in the parking lot of an Elks Lodge in Ypsilanti Township has been arrested, police said Saturday afternoon.
The incident started at about 2:14 a.m. Saturday shortly before witnesses flagged down deputies from the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department at 1405 Ecorse Road, police said.
As they were hearing reports of a gunfight between two men, deputies received notice from St. Joseph Mercy Hospital that three gunshot victims had just arrived in the emergency room for treatment, said Derrick Jackson, sheriff's spokesperson.
Those men did not suffer life-threatening injuries, Jackson added. Their ages and hometowns were unavailable, and they arrived in the ER in separate vehicles, he said.
In the meantime, deputies in the parking lot were arresting one of the shooting suspects: A 48-year-old Ann Arbor resident who was still on the scene as the investigation began.
Leon Freeman
WCSD
"We believe he may have been shot and injured," Jackson said before the arrest. "That's not verified, but we do believe he may have been shot."
It turns out that was the case, Jackson said late Saturday afternoon.
WCSD staff who knew Freeman's family were in contact with them during the day, Jackson said. He eventually was persuaded to turn himself in, and he called detectives while he was on the way to St. Joe's.
His wounds also are not life-threatening, Jackson said.
It's still unclear what happened before the gunfight took place.
"We hadn't received any calls about any altercations (at the club) prior to this," Jackson said. "We do not know at this point what started the fight."
While it's clear that the fight escalated into two men shooting at each other and the three injuries, police still haven't determined if more people fired weapons during the incident, Jackson said.
"We're not sure who shot first or who pulled the triggers," Jackson said. "We're still piecing together those finer details." Jackson asked anyone with information to call the sheriff's tip line at (734) 973-7711 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK UP.
Comments
sagasha
Sat, Dec 17, 2011 : 5:16 a.m.
Here's what I heard. Leon Freeman and his brothers were called to the scene by their mother. A man was giving her problems and she called in her 3 sons. Leon Freeman was an All-State/All-World high school basketball player from Belleville High who finished 5th in the 2005/06 Mr. Basketball award that is given out each year to the best high school basketball player in the state. The only reason he didn't win the award is because of the numerous suspensions he incurred during the year. This kid had a real chance to play ball for money somewhere but he failed to even graduate high school. He was a special ed kid as was his mother and at least one of his older brothers. I know the family and they are all known felons with the father in prison as I type. They all have lengthy criminal records and are known in the West Willow subdivision as troublesome to say the least. I have even had a gun flashed in my face by the oldest Freeman son. It's sad to see this happen to such a talented kid but he just couldn't make the break from his family even when he attended The Boys To Men Academy in Chicago in an attempt to get his diploma so he could play Division ! basketball. He was heavily recruited my Tom Izzo and essentially every big name school in the country.
Triksey
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 3:49 p.m.
The ELKS and all other party / club owners has the right to protect the innocent. I'm sure if the fellow partiers knew a shooting or a potential for a shooting would be on the menu that night they would not have been present. I think the Elks should be held liable since the shooting took place on their property, and if all victims found a good attorney I'm sure the Elks would be mindful of safety and security at their establishment.
Sallyxyz
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 12:57 p.m.
"He called detectives while he was on the way to the hospital." Who is picking up the tab on this hospital bill? Taxpayers? Oh, that's right. Those of us with insurance will see our rates continue to increase to pay for this thug's injuries.
Goodphotographer
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 2 a.m.
Ok, why is there no photo of the other arrested Suspect? Is it because he is not from Ypsilanti? Some other reason ......Why? No name? He was at the scene arrested and still no name is given. Arrested 2 people but no name of one on the scene and easily arrested suspect. That seems a little lop-sided. Could it be the name of the other suspects name is omitted to cast guilt toward the pictured suspect. Or is it to show a 48 year old Ann Arbor man can keep his name and picture out the picture? Just seems strange to me. Why not withold both names or better just show both photos?
Life in Ypsi
Sun, Oct 9, 2011 : 5:11 p.m.
This family has been problematic for quite some time. There have been shootings and fights in the area from them. Ann Arbor.com has reported on it in the past.
shepard145
Sun, Oct 9, 2011 : 3:32 p.m.
Another shooting in Ypsilanti this weekend - what a surprise.
UlyssesSwrong
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 4:53 p.m.
Totally agree with you, Peter. Gun nuts think that everyone being armed will prevent crimes? What the hell? The situation is simple, there is a lack of policing in Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township and crime is a problem. Crime and lack of police, they go hand and hand.
Peter A Webb
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 1:51 p.m.
The earlier poster is correct that Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township are not the same place. Most significantly in this instance, they aren't served by the same police department. It is very unclear to me how this situation could have been prevented or improved by more citizens being armed (at least those not involved in law enforcement).
shepard145
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 11:41 p.m.
I said Ypsilanti, wizard - that includes weekly violent crime in either paradise. One of the big shots waving a gun around unarmed combatants may have lived in Ann Arbor but he chose to shoot people in Ypsilanti as so many others apparently do. The problem is not that there are not enough police - it's that too few law abiding citizens are armed and ready to return fire.
UlyssesSwrong
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 2:59 p.m.
With all the commotion about police cuts in Ann Arbor, why isn't there a push for more police hiring in the Ypsilanti Police Department, where crime is a much worse problem and we see stories like this semi-frequently? Is it because they can't afford the wages?
Cash
Sun, Oct 9, 2011 : 5:40 p.m.
And one shooter at least was from Ann Arbor. So again...get the facts straight.
tdw
Sun, Oct 9, 2011 : 4:01 p.m.
It was in the township not the city.If you want to take the typical shots at Ypsi at least get your facts straight
Richard
Sun, Oct 9, 2011 : 1:23 p.m.
Ypsilanti Township has been serious about closing places down. Hopefully Brenda Stumbo and her crew will get on this. Too bad they can't put cameras privately owned businesses. Thugs are afraid of cameras as demonstrated in West Willow.
Richard
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 4:30 a.m.
Monica, I am guessing you are a member or have family members in the Elks and what happened was very upsetting to you plus the negative media attention. I think you are getting more and more upset rather than taking the time to really comprehend what people are saying. People respond by cutting down your arguments and in doing that, they end up making the situation and people in our community look worse and worse. Now, in saying that, I will restate my point of view in non-challenging words. I don't think any place should stay open if they can't control the violence inside or outside their establishment. I think having security cameras outside might prevent this and ensure the inside and outside of Elks Club remains a peaceful place for everyone to have fun. And I know the Elks members would have to vote on this. I know the commissioners would have to vote on one at the intersection. And I never thought Annarbor.com could do anything about it. I'm commenting just like you.
Monica R-W
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 3:39 a.m.
Richard, Nice try but, again the ELKS is a PRIVATELY OWNED BUSINESS. With that, the owners or members of the ELKS would have to vote to place cameras on their property. Now, if Ypsilanti Township wanted to place cameras at stoplights surrounding the corner of Ecorse and Harris Roads, that I believe would be within their rights. But, that is not what you originally wrote. Not close. You instead compared the situation that occurred at the ELKS to cameras in West Willow. Again, I ask where is the connection? Also, if you live in Ypsilanti Township, requests to place cameras on Ecorse & Harris would probably need to be discussed before the Board of Trustees and not Ann Arbor.com.
Richard
Sun, Oct 9, 2011 : 5:42 p.m.
Less crime is committed when the perpetrators have a higher chance of being caught. Being a logical person Monica, if you were to hypothetically shoot someone or commit a crime, would you do it in front of a camera? I didn't think you would. If there is a camera outside of a store or business or Elks Club, then perhaps people would be less likely to whip out their guns. There would photographic evidence to convict them. Does that make sense or are you really saying you don't think the people who frequent the Elks club are smart enough to make that distinction?
Monica R-W
Sun, Oct 9, 2011 : 2:54 p.m.
West Willow and the ELKS are two different areas. Excuse me butm what does cameras being placed in a neighborhood community have to do with placing cameras at a privately owned business? Can you explain the "connection" here Richard?
Dog Guy
Sun, Oct 9, 2011 : 1:23 p.m.
For motive, cherchez la femme, now is the elk rut. Wapiti some were hurt.
Ryan
Sun, Oct 9, 2011 : 12:25 p.m.
@Monica R-W. Please stop crying racism. Every time someone on here points out something bad that happened in the black community it's racism. No, Monica, it's reality. Reality is that blacks shoot and kill each other at much higher rates than any other ethnic group around here. That's not racism, it's reality. Check your crime statistics. You will also notice that the majority of armed and unarmed robberies here, as well as burglaries, are committed by blacks. You will notice that whites steal more money overall through fraud and embezzlement but the majority of violent crimes, at least in this area, are committed by blacks. Corruption now seems to be spread out equally among the races now, where whites were definitely in the lead in that area in the past. Once again: not racism, just sad facts.
UlyssesSwrong
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 2:57 p.m.
I'd say pointing out racial statistics to make a point that one racial group statistically has been doing "something bad" is not the greatest way to try to not come off as a racist, Ryan, especially considering how it has been done in the past. But I usually try to give people the benefit of believing that their intentions are not so poisonous.
Monica R-W
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 3:32 a.m.
Joe-Citizen, If you "live in the non-neighborhood" that the ELKS was suppose to be located within (your words, not mines), it is hard to believe that you wouldn't know who patrons the lounge. Let's not play word-salad, OK.
Life in Ypsi
Sun, Oct 9, 2011 : 5:29 p.m.
I can tell you people of all races are sick of the violence among other things out here! People should not be so quick to assume a poster's race because they happen to be speaking up. Racism does exist, but that does not excuse people not being accountable for their actions.
a2citizen
Sun, Oct 9, 2011 : 4:02 p.m.
Monica, I had no idea this place was "...primary a African-American lounge location..." until you mentioned it. And it is more of an observation/opinion than a "... fact ..." If you read back through the posts you are the first one to raise the subject of race.
Monica R-W
Sun, Oct 9, 2011 : 2:51 p.m.
First, "crying racism"? What the heck is that? Each time the facts are pointed out, someone has to say "crying racism". Let's correct somethings...I was speaking of the ELKS as a facility, not the shooter. The inappropriate comments were about the ELKS...read up! Never did I defend the shooter or other individuals that use guns in the African-American AND Caucasian communities, since I know you should have knowledge that violent crimes isn't just a "black" thing. The comments made about the ELKS do indeed broader on racism.As the point was made, the ELKS have no control of a situation that occurred outside of the facility. This, RYAN is a fact!
Jimmy McNulty
Sun, Oct 9, 2011 : 12:24 p.m.
This Elks lodge seems neither benevolent nor protective.
nixon41
Sun, Oct 9, 2011 : 10:35 a.m.
Where were their parents when they were growing up? They weren't taught properly. That's what we need is more people to support with our tax dollars, while they sit in jail/prison.
Monica R-W
Sun, Oct 9, 2011 : 6:36 a.m.
Let me defend some of the "comments" here. I'm not a member of the Ypsilanti Elks but the comments on this site, tip the broader of flat out racism. The Elks has a liquor permit, which allows the facility LEGALLY to serve alcohol. Most nights, the ELKS is not open, except for special occasions or private parties. Next, this incident occurred OUTSIDE the facility. Last time I checked, the Elks were NOT required to check if individuals are carrying weapons in vehicles BEFORE entering a facility or AFTER they leave. Third, as for "Joe_Citizen" comment, let's correct the location. The Ypsilanti ELKS sits on the CORNER of Ecorse and Harris Roads. The nearest "neighborhood" is around the is a half block away, with a large parking lot between it and the next "home" location. Across the street, to the right of the Elks is a gas station. Another gas station sits kiddie corner from the ELKS. Directly across on Ecorse Road is a wellness facility. Joe_Citizen, where is the middle of the "neighborhood" you are speaking about here? "A place for people that can't behave".... I believe the Washtenaw County Sheriff Department has the suspect in custody. So what other "folks" at the Elks can't "behave"? Can you explain exactly what's meant by your statement? This is not the first lounge shooting incident in Washtenaw County and sadly, I'll doubt if it will be the last. I'm glad the victims have been treated and the suspect is in custody. Still I wonder if the "outrage" would be so vocal if the Elks weren't primary a African-American lounge location?
racerx
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 2 p.m.
@Monica R-W-thanks for your replies and pointing out some obvious facts. However, think about the people you are dealing with who post. Most from Ann Arbor whom seems to think that their community can do no wrong and if there's an incident of violence, their first response is to shut the place down; ala Dream Nite Club, Studio 4 (both in A2). Still, these are the very same people who will tolerate the constant weekend partying of college students each football weekend with minors in possession, open drunkeness, and annual parties where people get stab. Sadly, it typically boils down to the "type" of person who's doing the crime and not the crime itself.
jjc155
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 11:56 a.m.
"That was 11 years ago...." kinda seems like things havent changed, eh? "And while this incident occured outside of the facilty and the Elks are not responsible for people having guns in their cars in the lot..." Exactly.... Thanks for cutting out the part that doesnt fit what ur arguement, LOL. So do u really think that eventhough something occured outside on the property that they are NOT responsible in someway? Its not like a random group pulled into the lot and started shooting, they way I understand it is they were guests of the Elks prior to the shooting? "To compare Brandy's to the ELKS, which again, is only open to the public for private parties and special occasions, is completely off the mark." So if a place is open say 4 times amonth and is a problem four times amonth that is somehow different than a place that is open everyday and a problem everyday? Just curious?
Monica R-W
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 3:29 a.m.
Two points: "Anyone who had been in the area since the mid 1990's through the early 2000's remembers all the problems that occured at the Elks, REGARDLESS OF RACE." That was 11 years ago.... "And while this incident occured outside of the facilty and the Elks are not responsible for people having guns in their cars in the lot..." Exactly.... Brandy's Liquor Store (which was a fully operational RETAIL location) was a public nuisance, which is why it was finally close. To compare Brandy's to the ELKS, which again, is only open to the public for private parties and special occasions, is completely off the mark.
jjc155
Sun, Oct 9, 2011 : 10:35 p.m.
"This is not the first lounge shooting incident in Washtenaw County" while this is true, it is also true that this is not the first shooting at the Elks either. Anyone who had been in the area since the mid 1990's through the early 2000's remembers all the problems that occured at the Elks, REGARDLESS OF RACE. Also to say "The nearest "neighborhood" is around the is a half block away" and use that as an arguement that that the general public was not in danger is absolutely laughable. Like there is a force field around the property of the Elks and that any bullet will magically fall from the sky at the property line, instead of travelling that half block, going through a window and killing grandma or hitting the driver of a car on ecrose or harris road, LOL. Heck a .22cal round can travel a mile. So in the middle of a neighborhood, no, half a block (which to me is aprox 100yards/300ft) from from the edge of a neighborhood, yep. And while this incident occured outside of the facilty and the Elks are not responsible for people having guns in their cars in the lot, they ARE responsible for what occurs on their property (remember Brandy's party store that was recently padlocked for a year? Stuff happened in their parking lot and they are now closed). To say that it did not happen inside and therefore the Elks are not liable at all, is a falicous arguement at best.
a2citizen
Sun, Oct 9, 2011 : 4:16 p.m.
"...The nearest "neighborhood" is around the is a half block away"..." What, do the stray bullets stop at the property line?
Tru2Blu76
Sun, Oct 9, 2011 : 2:49 a.m.
Is there any connection between that Elks Lodge and the shooters? Do they serve alcohol there and was alcohol involved in the gun fight? Re: "We're not sure who shot first or who pulled the triggers," Jackson said. "We're still piecing together those finer details." -- Public statements issued by law enforcement officials is a tricky thing. In this case, the comment makes it seem the sheriff's department thinks things like "who started it" and who was involved are just "finer details" when they're actually critical elements. Handgun and Hard Liquor Nights are more suitable to fraternal lodges in the South and Southwest. I hope this incident doesn't prove to be part of that spreading disease here in the North.
Nonchalant
Sun, Oct 9, 2011 : 1:36 a.m.
some ppl comments are just down right vicious. But I am just glad no one was SERIOUSLY injured esp. my family!!! however I agree that when US young, and OLD folks get 2gether 2 have a GREAT time that violence should not occur. At any rate everything was just fine @ passport lounge, I guess the after party @ the ELKS shouldn't have happened esp since ppl were already tipsy from one club 2 the next but im just glad i wasnt @ the after spot.
Roadman
Sun, Oct 9, 2011 : 12:01 a.m.
I always thought the Elks were benevolent individuals. Why would fellow Elks shoot at each other?
genetracy
Sat, Oct 8, 2011 : 10:46 p.m.
I agree Free. As a proud former resident of the east side of Ypsilanti (the folks who put the "tucky" in Ypsitucky), I can honestly say this is the first time in decades a resident of Ann Arbor came over to Ypsi and commited a crime. I wonder if this is the beginning of a trend. A sign os the apocalypse perhaps?
Paula Gardner
Sat, Oct 8, 2011 : 10:03 p.m.
He was injured - my most recent update to the story includes a little bit of info on the arrest. He called detectives while he was on the way to the hospital.
RJA
Sat, Oct 8, 2011 : 9:48 p.m.
Per cell phone alert, and e-mail, Leon Freeman is in custody. (wonder if he was found injured? ) I know nothing about the ELK'S Lodge, have never been there. At 2:14 a.m. I suspect there was drinking going on, and a fight of this nature people still have a choice to be there or not be there. You leave this type of fight, injured, killed, or you might come away alive. This is a very sad and serious situation.
Cash
Sat, Oct 8, 2011 : 8:54 p.m.
Leon Freeman was arrested hours ago according to the WCSD email.
Cash
Sat, Oct 8, 2011 : 9:57 p.m.
Yes, I wondered if they got him at an ER somewhere, if he was indeed shot. Just curious. But if he indeed was the shooter, then I am glad he's in custody.
Paula Gardner
Sat, Oct 8, 2011 : 9:30 p.m.
I just updated the story to reflect the arrest - and I'm trying to learn more about the circumstances. Here's the alert from WCSD: <a href="https://local.nixle.com/alert/4739363/" rel='nofollow'>https://local.nixle.com/alert/4739363/</a>
quetzalcoatl
Sat, Oct 8, 2011 : 8:46 p.m.
These could be the notorious rogue Elks, turned out of the herd, roving the night highways of the nation and frighteningly prone to going berserk when some outlaw hanger-on forgets the secret handshake.
captain_k
Sat, Oct 8, 2011 : 8:24 p.m.
it says 'witnessed' when it should read 'witnesses"
Paula Gardner
Sat, Oct 8, 2011 : 8:27 p.m.
Thanks, just changed that.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Oct 8, 2011 : 8:05 p.m.
Its worth noting that this place isn't listed as a member of the national BPOE organization. I am wondering if it was at one time and has since severed its ties either voluntarily or otherwise? Or perhaps there was never a relationship? <a href="http://www.elks.org/lodges/Default.cfm" rel='nofollow'>http://www.elks.org/lodges/Default.cfm</a>
Cash
Sat, Oct 8, 2011 : 10:11 p.m.
rainbow, No it does not mean that. if you read the website it explains it means the opposite.
rainbow
Sat, Oct 8, 2011 : 10:04 p.m.
Does that mean whites are not welcome....... that's racism. Wait, I would rather not get shot at so the point is moot. Yes moot, not mute as so many say.
Cash
Sat, Oct 8, 2011 : 9:23 p.m.
Odd, but true. lol
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Oct 8, 2011 : 9:11 p.m.
thanks Cash, I did not know that.
Cash
Sat, Oct 8, 2011 : 8:53 p.m.
There is a difference between the "Elks' you are referring to and the Black Elks: <a href="http://www.ibpoew.org/page003.aspx" rel='nofollow'>http://www.ibpoew.org/page003.aspx</a> Different organizations.
smokeblwr
Sat, Oct 8, 2011 : 8:03 p.m.
Good thing so many people were armed or somebody could have really been injured.
Smart Logic
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 9:38 a.m.
Comparing law-abiding citizens with CPLs to a couple of criminals that decided to have a shootout is just plain ludicrous. It's just more distorted logic to support your anti-gun stance.
EyeHeartA2
Sun, Oct 9, 2011 : 3:08 a.m.
So are you saying theses guys had CPLs? or are you just spewing irrelevant nonsense?
BobbyTarsus
Sat, Oct 8, 2011 : 8:02 p.m.
Sad. I grew up a few blocks from that area in the 70s. Nothing like it is today. Even a kid could walk the street at night without the danger there is today.
Joe_Citizen
Sat, Oct 8, 2011 : 7:49 p.m.
I really don't care if they want to kill each-other, but in the middle of a neighborhood and kids and US citizens. This place should have had it's permits pulled a long, long time ago. It's really sad that a bunch of adults can't behave themselves in public. That's why we have a place for people who can't behave. I don't want to be there.
racerx
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 1:55 p.m.
@Joe_Citizen-Joe, nobody ever says you have to be there. If you feel as though the place isn't safe for you, then simply don't frequent this spot. Seems pretty simple than ranting and raving about your perceptions.
Joe_Citizen
Sat, Oct 8, 2011 : 7:40 p.m.
Close the place down! This place is a big violent nuisance to the neighborhood. It's been the center of violence several times in the past and they can not keep the crowd under control.
Chase Ingersoll
Sat, Oct 8, 2011 : 7:36 p.m.
Headline could lead one to infer that Elks were shooting each other. Should read "outside" rather than "at".