WATERFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXYZ) — Waterford Township police said a man was shot and killed in the parking lot of a movie theater late Thursday night.
According to police, they were called to the MJR theatre on Highland Road around 11:30 p.m. When they arrived, they found a 28-year-old with a gunshot wound to the upper chest.
The man was taken to the hospital but died from his injuries.
Austin Cruz says he was the one who called 911. He had been at the movies and was walking out of MJR when it happened. But at first, he didn't realize it was a gunshot.
“As I was walking out, I heard a pop and as I was walking to my car, I saw a guy laying on the ground,” Cruz said. "I just shouted to him 'are you alright over there?' and he said 'no, call 911.'”
Cruz called 911 and waived down a truck to come help, and realized the victim had been shot.
“When I walked up to him, he was wearing a bulletproof vest. It looked like he had a pistol laying down next to him," Cruz described. "He had his phone out next to him. He looked like he was trying to call 911 but wasn't able to.”
Cruz says he saw where the bullet hit the victim under his arm in his upper chest, just missing the vest. Police say first responders rushed to the scene and took the victim to the hospital, but Cruz says he wasn’t responsive.
“His phone was laying right there and I could see a picture of a little girl on his lock screen," Cruz said. "I'm not sure if that was his daughter or not, but I hope she’s doing alright.”
Detectives were able to identify a suspect, and with help from West Bloomfield police, they were able to arrest the 24-year-old man from West Bloomfield.
Police say it was not a random act, but the investigation is ongoing.
They are looking for potential witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to call 248-618-6108.
