Multiple gas stations focus of crimes in Detroit
Detroit gas stations are being asked to bump up security systems
Author: Priya Mann, Local 4 Reporter, @Local4Priya
Several gas stations in Detroit became the focus of multiple crimes over the course of two days.
Nickalaus Williams was leaving church about 2:30 p.m. Sunday when he went into a Mobil gas station on Detroit’s east side. Two men followed behind. One went for his wallet and the other had a gun.
Williams was shot. The bullet just missed his heart.
At about 4 p.m. that same day at a Valero gas station at 7 Mile Road and Pierson, a 38-year-old man was beaten to death and run over. That same night a limo driver was carjacked at a Citgo station near Van Dyke and McNichols. He suffered head injuries. The limo was found a short distance away from the station.
Then at about 8:30 a.m. Monday, a man was a victim of a hit-and-run at a Valero gas station at Tireman and Epworth. The man is in critical condition.
“It will be somebody standing there waiting to rob you, and people will do anything these days just to get a few chump change,” said Nickalaus’ mother, Faye Williams.
The MIRA Association wants drivers to take precautions.
“Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t stand there and be on the phone or day dreaming or listening to the radio, but look around,” said Ed Weglarz, of MIRA.
MIRA is urging gas station owners to get better lighting and security systems, but those can be expensive. The organization says they can find these security systems at more competitive prices.
