Detroit authorities are facing renewed scrutiny following a June shooting incident involving Officer David Gonzalez and 18-year-old Alonzo Lee-Perkins. Newly obtained body camera footage released in October captures the moments leading up to the shooting in a downtown Detroit parking lot prior to the Ford Fireworks event, showing Lee-Perkins fleeing from Gonzalez as the officer fires four shots, striking the teenager in the back.
The footage reveals Lee-Perkins running away without turning towards Gonzalez or displaying a weapon, contradicting official police statements that his hand movements suggested he was armed and posed a threat. Lee-Perkins survived the shooting and was subsequently charged with carrying a concealed weapon, felony firearm, and resisting police. Gonzalez has not faced any charges and was reinstated to full duty in July after an internal review.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy declined to bring charges against Gonzalez on October 6, citing insufficient evidence to counter the officer’s claim of self-defense, defense of others, and the apprehension of a fleeing felon. “There was insufficient evidence to overcome the officer’s rights under the laws of self defense, defense of others, and apprehending fleeing felons,” Worthy stated on October 12.
Lee-Perkins, who has no prior criminal record, is represented in civil matters by attorney Julie Hurwitz, who criticized the decision not to prosecute, calling it “outrageous” that Gonzalez would face no accountability. Defense attorney Allison Kriger described the shooting as “the most egregious police shooting of a civilian in recent memory” and called for Gonzalez to be removed from the force and prosecuted. Kriger also challenged the legality of the initial stop, arguing that a mere suspicion of someone carrying a weapon does not justify detaining a person.
The circumstances leading up to the pursuit began when Gonzalez and his partner, Joseph Wafer, who were assisting another unit, observed Lee-Perkins walking past their vehicle appearing to hold something near his waistband. After Gonzalez commanded him to stop, Lee-Perkins ran. A firearm was later recovered near where the teenager was found wounded, with Lee-Perkins admitting to investigators that he had a gun in his waistband. However, the video does not show him brandishing the weapon, and Wafer testified that he never saw a gun during the chase, suggesting Lee-Perkins may have been holding a phone or wallet.
Detroit Police Department spokesperson Jasmin Barmore emphasized that officers are trained to make split-second tactical decisions prioritizing public safety. She stated that internal investigations are standard following shootings of this nature, though it was unclear if the department’s inquiry into this incident has been completed. The Detroit Police Officers Association declined to comment.
The release of this footage also brings into question compliance with department policies governing pursuit and use of force. Detroit regulations caution against initiating chases based solely on a suspect running and highlight that deadly force is only permissible under narrowly defined circumstances involving violent felonies that pose immediate threats. Carrying a concealed weapon is not classified among such offenses. Experts note that disengagement and de-escalation options should be favored when possible, especially in crowded public settings like the Ford Fireworks event where the shooting took place.
A 2025 report analyzing Detroit police shootings over the past decade found that roughly 20% originated from non-violent stops involving suspected gun possession that escalated into foot chases and ultimately gunfire, underscoring concerns about use-of-force practices in the city.
As the criminal case against Lee-Perkins proceeds, debate over law enforcement tactics and accountability continues amid calls from community advocates for increased transparency and reform.