LANSING – The day after a young man was shot to death on Detroit's west side, State Representative Robert Dean (D-Grand Rapids) called on state Senate leaders to act on a bipartisan plan to crack down on the individuals who endanger our residents by committing such reckless crimes.
"Our residents should not have to live in fear of random shootings," Dean said. "We must build Michigan's reputation as a place that is safe for our families, our children and our businesses. A business, and the good-paying jobs it creates, will not want to locate to a dangerous neighborhood. This plan will ensure that violent criminals receive the punishment they deserve and will protect innocent lives."
Neighbors said the 19-year-old student killed Monday in Detroit was in a Chevrolet Cavalier with another man when a Ford Focus pulled up with four people inside and someone inside the car starting shooting at the victim. The young man ran out of the car to try to get to safety but was shot at least once and collapsed in a neighbor's yard. That man's house was hit by multiple bullets.
The House plan, sponsored by State Representative Brenda Clack (D-Flint), would more than double the penalty for any person who intentionally fires a weapon from a vehicle. The House passed the plan on a vote of 109-1 on March 15, 2007, and it has languished in the Senate since then. Currently, such an offense is punishable by no more than four years in prison and a $2,000 fine. The plan increases the penalty to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. If the crime results in serious bodily harm to another person, the penalty increases to 15 years and $15,000.
In January, 19-year-old Justin Hernandez died after a drive-by shooting on A Street SW near Grandville Avenue in Grand Rapids. Earlier in January, a man was grazed by a bullet in a drive-by shooting on Griggs Street SW and Clyde Park Avenue.
"This plan sends a strong message to reckless criminals who engage in drive-by shootings and put our communities at risk," Dean said. "It's time for the Senate to stand up and protect our families from these senseless acts of violence."