Detroit police canceled the annual Cinco de Mayo parade in southwest Detroit Sunday after a shooting left a 19-year-old dead, WXYZ reports.
7 Action News has learned the victim was 19 years old. Cops are saying a 24-year-old suspect is in custody.
Reports differed on whether the victim or assailant had gang ties.
Fox 2 reports the victim was nicknamed "Noodles." His full name was not available.
The shooting happened in the middle of the intersection at Vernor Highway and Ferdinand, about midway between Clark and Junction, not long after the parade had started. Police halted it immediately.
The Free Press website carries a photo of the victim on the pavement as police and bystanders rush to his aide. Another photo shows a firefighter later hosing away blood.
The parade, which has been staged for 50 years, has been hit by violence in the past.
In 2009, fights broke out and a fatal shooting took place two blocks from the route. Organizers discussed moving the event out of the city.
On her facebook page, Raquel Castaneda-Lopez, District 6 City Councilwoman, said:
"May we not succumb to thoughts of violence and revenge today, but rather to thoughts of mercy and compassion. We are to love our enemies that they might be returned to their right minds." -Marianne Williamson
My condolences go out to the victim, community and all of those affected by such senseless violence during the 5 de Mayo parade.
