PORT HURON, Mich. (WXYZ) — One person is dead after being shot multiple times early Tuesday morning in Port Huron, police told us.
The shooting happened around 12:30 a.m. in the 2500 block of Vanness Street. There, officers found the body of a 35-year-old man who had been shot multiple times.
Hear from the police chief about the investigation in the video below
About 20 minutes prior to responding to that shooting, officers responded to a vehicle fire in the 3000 block of Vanness. The city's fire department was able to put out that fire.
The city's Major Crimes Unit and Detective Bureau are investigating both incidents. Investigators say that the fire may have been the result of arson, and police are working to determine if the vehicle fire and the homicide are connected.
Port Huron native Michael X said he's still trying to process the sudden and violent death of his childhood friend.
"Good kid. Never heard of him being in any trouble, never heard of him being in any violent altercations. So, I think the whole city is just dumbfounded," X said.
"Yeah, I grew up with him. I grew up with him right here on this block," he continued. "This is my grandmother's house, and she said she heard some gunshots or whatever last night."
Sharon Starks lives across the street.
"They kicked in the door, shot him three or four times, and the lil, the 12-year-old girl, which I've seen a couple times, hid in the closet," she said.
Port Huron Police Chief Brian Kerrigan said that girl is the victim's daughter and she called 911.
He said several people were home at the time and were unharmed.
"We're chasing down every lead, looking for footage and witnesses, anybody that heard anything in the neighborhood," the chief said.
Regarding the vehicle arson and homicide, Kerrigan said, "It's odd. We don't know the connection, but we're investigating it. Investigating the connection, possible connection."
Investigators said the homicide appears to be an isolated incident, and there's no need for the public to worry.
X said, "Right now, we don't know who did what, but just please come forward if you have any information. I know that his mom is going through it. Everyone is kinda going through it. It's all fresh, so I think by putting it on TV for sure will be helpful."
Anyone with more information on these incidents, you can contact Port Huron Police Department at 810-984-8415, the Department’s Major Crimes Unit at 810-984-5383 or submit an anonymous tip by calling 810-987-6688. You can also submit an anonymous tip at this link or text officers on the Port Huron PD app.
