Three men were killed and four other people were injured in a Detroit after-hours shooting early Sunday after an altercation escalated into gunfire on the city's west side. Police say investigators have leads, while officials are urging witnesses to come forward and help identify those responsible.

Police response

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison said officers responded at about 7:21 a.m. on September 27 to the area of Prest Street and Eaton Avenue. When officers arrived, they found three men suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. Four additional victims — two men and two women — were taken to hospitals in private vehicles. Police said their injuries were not considered life-threatening.

Authorities said the three men who died were in their 30s, while the surviving victims included adults believed to be in their 20s and 30s. Police had not publicly released the victims' identities as of Sunday.

Seven victims

Investigators believe the violence began with a fight inside or around the after-hours location. Bettison said an altercation occurred before people involved turned to gun violence. Police have not publicly detailed what triggered the dispute or how many shooters may have been involved.

The incident left seven people shot in total. Three men died at the scene, while the four surviving victims were transported for medical treatment. Police said there was no indication of an ongoing threat to the wider community following the shooting.

Club history

Bettison described the property as an after-hours location operating in a manner similar to a strip club. The address was already familiar to Detroit police, who had responded to seven calls for service there since the beginning of 2026. The chief also said the department had previously been investigating activity at the location.

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield said the city would continue efforts to crack down on illegal after-hours operations, including those run from homes or commercial properties. She described the loss of life as heartbreaking and said neighborhoods should not have to endure this type of violence.

Police leads

Investigators said they have developed leads but had not announced an arrest as of the latest publicly available update. Bettison said police were working to identify those responsible and expressed confidence that investigators would make progress in the case.

Sheffield also appealed to people who witnessed the shooting or know what happened to contact authorities. Police emphasized that cooperation from witnesses could be critical in establishing the sequence of events and identifying anyone involved.

Public safety

The shooting has renewed attention on unregulated after-hours venues and repeated police calls to properties where large late-night gatherings take place. City officials said enforcement against illegal operations would remain part of Detroit's broader public-safety response.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Anyone with information has been asked to contact Detroit Police or Crime Stoppers of Michigan as detectives work to determine exactly what led to the violence and who fired the shots.