Local 4 News at 6 -- Jan. 12, 2021
Hereโs what you missed on Local 4 News at 6:Michigan plans to charge ex-Gov. Snyder in Flint water probeTuesdayโs show included a discussion with former Flint Mayor Karen Weaver about a report on ex-Gov. Rick Synder being charged in connection with the Flint Water Crisis. Snyder, his health director and other ex-officials have been told theyโre being charged after a new investigation of the Flint water scandal, which devastated the majority Black city with lead-contaminated water and was blamed for a deadly outbreak of Legionnairesโ disease in 2014-15.
Local 4 News at 6 -- Dec. 31, 2020
Hereโs what you missed on Local 4 News at 6:3rd suspect charged in 2017 murder of Egypt CovingtonA third suspect has been formally charged with murder in the 2017 killing of Van Buren Township woman Egypt Covington. On Dec. 31, the Wayne County Prosecutor charged Shandon Ray Groom, 28, of Toledo, Ohio, with felony murder and first-degree home invasion in connection with the Egypt Covington case.
Local 4 News at 6 -- Dec. 25, 2020
Hereโs what you missed on Local 4 News at 6:What weโve learned about a house fire that left 2 children dead, others hospitalizedTwo children were killed in an early morning house fire on Detroitโs east side. Three other children and an adult were also rushed to a hospital. The fire happened at a home on Helen Street.
Local 4 News at 6 -- Dec. 17, 2020
Hereโs whatโs coming up on Local 4 News at 6:Local 4โฒs Dr. Frank McGeorge reveals what itโs like to get the COVID-19 vaccineOne of those Henry Ford Health Care workers eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine was our own Dr. Frank McGeorge. He walks us through the process and shares how it went on Local 4 News at 6.
Local 4 News at 6 -- Nov. 19, 2020
Hereโs what you missed on Local 4 News at 6:Men accused in Gov. Whitmer kidnapping plot allegedly had more violent plans -- Hereโs what we knowWeโre learning new information about the alleged plot based around kidnapping Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The group linked to the plot were allegedly creating other plans, which included televised executions.
Protesters push back against Federal presence in Detroit
Protesters push back against Federal presence in DetroitPublished: August 1, 2020, 6:16 pmTheir main message is federal agents are not wanted and not welcomed in Detroit. All of this happened because of โOperation Legendโ. United States officials said more federal agents are coming to Detroit in the next couple of weeks to help ease the recent violence in Detroit, and agents are here to assist with the gun violence.
Health officials identify Greektown as COVID-19 'hot spot' in Detroit
Health officials identify Greektown as COVID-19 'hot spot' in DetroitPublished: July 28, 2020, 6:12 pmDetroit health officials say people are visiting Detroit's Greektown amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic -- and they aren't following proper social distancing and mask guidelines.
Michigan police agencies respond, enforce to new mask rules in different ways
Michigan police agencies respond, enforce to new mask rules in different waysPublished: July 14, 2020, 6:22 pmMichigan law enforcement agencies are approaching the enforcement of the state's new face mask requirements in different ways.
Reminder: New Michigan mask law to go into effect Monday
Reminder: New Michigan mask law to go into effect MondayPublished: July 12, 2020, 6:10 pmFace coverings are now required to be worn in indoor public places and some outdoor public places in Michigan as coronavirus (COVID-19) cases increase at a rapid pace.
Lawmakers want Michigan AG to investigate nursing homes amid coronavirus pandemic
Lawmakers want Michigan AG to investigate nursing homes amid coronavirus pandemicPublished: June 28, 2020, 6:33 pmMembers of Congress are requesting Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel -- in addition to other states -- to investigate how nursing homes were used during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Benched: Racing driver Bubba Wallace talks media attention amid NASCAR flag controversy
Benched: Racing driver Bubba Wallace talks media attention amid NASCAR flag controversyPublished: June 27, 2020, 6:45 pmNASCARโs lone full-time Black driver has been the center of attention since the Confederate flag has been banned at all of its tracks.
Protesters gather in Ypsilanti following mayor's controversial comment
Protesters gather in Ypsilanti following mayor's controversial commentPublished: June 20, 2020, 6:37 pmA Black Lives Matter protest was held in Ypsilanti on Saturday after the city's mayor Beth Bashert was called out for making an inappropriate comment.
Summer camps in Michigan following strict distancing guidelines
Summer camps in Michigan following strict distancing guidelinesPublished: June 14, 2020, 6:14 pmWith Gov. Gretchen Whitmerโs announcement that overnight camps could reopen on Monday, it was an unofficial start to summer and for some a return to a sense of normalcy.
Metro Detroit cities closing downtown streets to create more dining space
Metro Detroit cities closing downtown streets to create more dining spacePublished: June 12, 2020, 6:23 pmIn an effort to maintain social distancing, several cities began shutting down their down town streets to drivers Friday.
Metro Detroit pastors join chorus of leaders encouraging peaceful protests amid weekend demonstrations
Metro Detroit pastors join chorus of leaders encouraging peaceful protests amid weekend demonstrationsPublished: May 31, 2020, 6:23 pmMetro Detroiters are taking to the streets of Downtown Detroit for a third day to protest police brutality following the killing of black Minneapolis man George Floyd.
Benched: Voice of the Tigers Dan Dickerson on missing sports and going back to work eventually
Benched: Voice of the Tigers Dan Dickerson on missing sports and going back to work eventuallyPublished: May 10, 2020, 5:23 pmDan Dickerson has been in the booth for the Tigers for 20 years, but right now, heโs at home like everyone else.
Benched: Oakland Universityโs Greg Kampe discusses getting creative since the NCAA put in-person recruiting on hold
Benched: Oakland Universityโs Greg Kampe discusses getting creative since the NCAA put in-person recruiting on holdPublished: March 29, 2020, 6:36 pmTwo weeks ago, the NCAA announced a moratorium on all on-campus and off-campus recruiting through April 15th. Oakland Universityโs Head Menโs Basketball Coach Greg Kampe said that makes it really tough to get players for next season.
Metro Detroiters step up to help hospitals, medical centers amid escalating coronavirus pandemic
Metro Detroiters step up to help hospitals, medical centers amid escalating coronavirus pandemicPublished: March 28, 2020, 6:39 pmAs the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic escalates, nurses and doctors are working around the clock to fight the outbreak from the frontlines. Communities across Metro Detroit have been stepping up to show healthcare workers their appreciation, from donations to food drop offs to social media drives.
Michigan health officials announces 6th COVID-19 related death
Michigan health officials announces 6th COVID-19 related deathPublished: March 21, 2020, 6:28 pmHealth officials recorded the stateโs fifth and sixth coronavirus deaths Saturday. Both victims are 90-year-old women -- one in Detroit and the other in Oakland County. Local leaders said they are increasing their efforts to keep residents indoors and isolated. As of Saturday afternoon, there were 787 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Michigan.
I-75 bridge demolitions expected to cause traffic jams, travel issues in Oakland County
I-75 bridge demolitions expected to cause traffic jams, travel issues in Oakland CountyPublished: March 4, 2020, 6:23 pmResidents are preparing for a lot of traffic, headaches and inconveniences when three bridges over I-75 are demolished in Oakland County.
PTO treasurer in Grosse Pointe Woods under fire over use of parent donation money
PTO treasurer in Grosse Pointe Woods under fire over use of parent donation moneyPublished: February 21, 2020, 6:08 pmThe treasurer of a parent-teacher organization at an elementary school in Grosse Pointe Woods is under fire after officials discovered parent donation money has been used for lavish entertainment.
Police: 2 robbers arrested after targeting Livonia woman at gunpoint in her driveway
LIVONIA, Mich. โ Two robbers have been arrested after they targeted a Livonia woman at gunpoint in her driveway, police said. The robbery happened around 1 p.m. Sunday in the 30800 block of Robert Drive in Livonia. Police said the 52-year-old woman was in the middle of unpacking her van in the driveway when the men approached. โHe made me take off my coat and he searched and asked me if I had any money on me,โ the woman said. One of the men was arrested by Livonia officers in Wyandotte.
Police: 2 robbers arrested after targeting Livonia woman at gunpoint in her driveway
Police: 2 robbers arrested after targeting Livonia woman at gunpoint in her drivewayPublished: January 31, 2020, 6:09 pmTwo robbers have been arrested after they targeted a Livonia woman at gunpoint in her driveway, police said.
Stolen truck with snow plow used to break into Melvindale gas station
MELVINDALE, Mich. โ Police are investigating after a stolen truck with a snow plow on it was used to break into a Mobil gas station near Oakwood and Schaefer in Melvindale. Early Thursday morning at the Mobil gas station a couple men arrived in the truck. When that wasnโt enough, the two men put the vehicle in reverse and barreled through the front of the gas station. They almost hit the propane tank trying to smash into the gas station,โ Mohamad Akhdar said. Akhdar runs the gas station.
Parents charged with child abuse after Detroit police find children living in deplorable conditions in camper
DETROIT โ Two parents are in jail and charged with child abuse after police did a welfare check at a camper in Detroit. Investigators looked further into the case and arrested the parents for child abuse. Alexander is facing a torture charge and two counts of second-degree child abuse and two counts of third-degree child abuse. There was a rifle the family kept inside the camper, the living conditions in general indicated apparent child neglect. Alexander was ordered to not have any contact with her children or her sister who is caring for them.
2 home intruders arrested after Ferndale break-in leads to police chase
FERNDALE, Mich. โ A break-in Tuesday morning in Ferndale led police on a chase that ended with a crash. UPDATE: 2 men charged after Ferndale break-in, police chasePolice said a resident who lives on West Drayton awoke to an intruder standing in his living room at about 4 a.m. The man called Ferndale police, who said Madison Heights police gave them information that linked the break-in to similar crimes. Madison Heights officers provided Ferndale police with descriptions of a vehicles and suspects connected to the crimes in their city. Police said a Ferndale dispatcher was able to connect one of the suspects to a Hazel Park address.
Michigan Secretary of State explains absentee ballot voting, what it means for citizens
DETROIT โ Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson spoke with Detroit City Council about an expected surge in voter participation in 2020, and how many voters will likely vote by mail. In 2018, Michigan voters amended the constitution to give all citizens the right to register to vote through election day and to vote by mail without providing a reason. Benson explained that many voters took advantage of these new rights in elections in 2019, and she expects many more will do so in 2020. The increase in voting by mail presents a challenge for clerks, who are currently barred by state law from processing or counting absentee ballots prior to election day. Benson said she supports the clerks and jurisdictions across the state that would like to see the law changed.
Controversial program monitors student activity on computers to prevent bullying, violence, suicides
HAZEL PARK, Mich. โ A controversial new program that tracks and monitors every move students make on their computers is becoming more prominent in schools. The program is called โGaggle,โ and its goal is to prevent bullying, violence and suicides. The software works by looking for bullying, violence or suicidal thoughts and notifying administrators when it flags a problem. But Gaggle officials say the program looks at school computers and accounts, not personal ones. Gaggle officials said the program prevented 722 suicides last year.
Test results at Detroit, Sanilac County properties owned by Gary Sayers show no hexavalent chromium
DETROIT โ Initial test results from a Detroit property and Sanilac County property owned by a businessman who spawned a county-wide contamination investigation show no threats to public health. MORE: Discovery of substance on I-696 leads to multi-county contamination investigationThat substance was coming from the condemned Electro-Plating Services, so crews started checking other properties owned by that businessโ owner, Gary Sayers. Officials said tests taken at Sayersโ Deckerville property and the Commonwealth Industry building in Detroit did not show hexavalent chromium. Silver, mercury and chromium were found in the soil at the Deckerville property, but the levels werenโt high enough to cause a public health issue. PFAS test results are expected next week.
Port Huron hockey announcer suits up when team needs goalie
PORT HURON, Mich. โ The broadcaster for the Port Huron Prowlers seems to do it all -- announcing, social media, marketing and graphics. But thatโs not all ...Three goalies were unable to play last weekend while the team was on the road, creating a major issue. General manager and head coach Joe Pace was surprised when Skiba said he would fill in. He didnโt neglect his broadcasting duties and instead chose to live stream his coverage of the game from the bench. โI wore the other goalieโs gear.
โIt is business as usualโ -- Detroit River spill not cleaned up 50 days later
DETROIT โ Residents are outraged over the uranium contaminated site that partially collapsed into the Detroit River and the lack of urgency from officials to fix the situation. โWe have to stand up and say, โEnough is enough.โโLocal 4 Defenders brought to light Detroit Bulk was operating without a permit earlier this week. That heavy is believed to have caused the dock to collapse and then spill contaminated soil into the river. Why was the soil contaminated? Tlaib said dealing with Detroit Bulk Storage is deja vu.
โHe didnโt deserve this:' Friends grapple with brutal murder of 25-year-old Michigan man
BENNINGTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. โ Weโre learning more about the murder of a man from the Flint area whom police believe met his killer through a dating app. Baconโs roommate said that Bacon was going to see a man he had met on Grindr, a dating app. Latunski was arrested and charged with Baconโs murder. READ: Police release disturbing details in murder, mutilation of Michigan manTiara Hill said Bacon was her best friend. โThat was extremely hard to go up there and do, but it was something that I needed to do and I really think that he would appreciate it,โ Hill said.
Shoppers pack Metro Detroit malls to return gifts, find post-Christmas deals
NOVI, Mich. โ The holiday shopping rush may be over, but Metro Detroit stores and malls are packed again Thursday. Some people are returning gifts, while others are looking to snag post-Christmas deals. See Koco McAboyโs full report in the video above.
Macomb Township fire leaves family of 7, including newborn baby, homeless
MACOMB TOWNSHIP, Mich. โ Seven people are without a home after their Macomb Township house caught fire Friday. โI was just sitting in the living room with my daughters watching a movie and I smelled something odd," Angelaca Jarubas said. โI went to open up the front door and I seen this side of the house was on fire,โ Jarubas said. The whole family made it out alive, but now they are without a home just days before Christmas. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family.
Detroit public schools considering later start time at high schools
DETROIT โ The Detroit Public Schools Community District is considering pushing the start time at its high schools to 9 a.m.DPSCD said moving the time back would lead to better rested students who would do better in school. A later start time would mean high school students would be in school until 4:20 p.m. If the change is made, it would make the start time earlier at some elementary schools. The start time at Henderson, T. Marshall, Garvey and Nichols would be moved up to 7:30 a.m., while the start times at Emerson and Clippert would become later. Yvonne Carsonโs daughter attends Cass Tech High School.
New Lakeside Mall owner plans mixed-use development
STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. โ Lakeside Mall is one of the largest malls in the state and Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor said it could be getting better. โItโs just really a concrete step in the right direction. Recently, Miami-based developer Out of the Box Ventures bought the property and is now the new owner of the mall. โItโs been in limbo for quite a while, so this is a great step in the right direction,โ Taylor said. But with the new sale complete, Lakeside Mallโs new owners say itโs not over just yet.
Family remembers mother of 3 killed in Plymouth Township murder-suicide
PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, Mich. โ Three children are left without their mother after police say her ex-husband killed her and himself Tuesday in Plymouth Township. Family members said she was killed early Tuesday when she briefly stopped by her ex-husbandโs home in the 14000 block of C Drive. Her family said there were deep-rooted problems between the two, but they never thought it would lead to death. โHe took a great woman out of this world,โ said Ava Sills, Salamayโs daughter. It was always her kids, then it was her friends and family, and then it was herself,โ Ava Sills said.
Former Utica Eisenhower High School band director facing criminal sexual conduct charges
UTICA, Mich. โ A longtime band director at Eisenhower High School in Utica has been charged with child sexual abuse. READ: Ex-Utica Eisenhower High School band director charged with sex crimes against childrenHe is also accused of befriending a middle school student and sexually assaulting her when she was in high school. He is facing two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. Utica Community Schools released this statement in October:โOur school district is following all district policies and procedures regarding personnel matters. The district does not publicly discuss personnel matters and works closely with law enforcement as part of any investigation.
Utica schoolโs late decision to extend holiday break leaves parents scrambling to change plans
UTICA, Mich. โ The recent announcement from the Utica Community Schools to extend Christmas break had a lot of people talking Wednesday. What about the parents that work and thought their kids would be in school on January 2 and 3? Now they have to scramble to find childcare for them.โA spokesperson for Utica Schools released this statement:โUCS continues to bargain in good faith with its teachersโ association. Working collaboratively, we mutually agreed to another component of the district calendar. An important factor that impacts the school calendar is a change in state law related to professional development days.
Foot traffic restored to Harsens Island after dock collapses
CLAY TOWNSHIP, Mich. โ The only dock for the Harsens Island ferry collapsed Wednesday and left people stranded on the island. UPDATE: Harsens Island ferry service disrupted after dock collapses, crane takes out power linesThere was also an arcing power line blocking access to get to the ferry on foot. DTE crews were on site working to fix the downed power line issue. The power line was brought down when a crane struck it. Pedestrian traffic can now travel to and from the island, behicles were still stuck as they wait for the ferry service to be restored.
Power outages put damper on some Thanksgiving preparations in Metro Detroit
HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Mich. โ A generator is the Duffy familyโs only hope of even having a little bit of power at their Harrison Township home. โOh yeah, we got no power at all,โ Terrance Duffy said. Terrance Duffy said his family has been in the dark for hours. Turkey is still in the fridge,โ Terrance Duffy said. There are pies for after the big Thanksgiving meal, but Mejia said without power, they may not make it until then.
Residents dealing with loud noises from trains idling for days in Bloomfield Hills
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. โ Residents are dealing with loud noises in Bloomfield Hills as trains idle on tracks. Trains have been idling on about three miles of tracks, from Opdyke and Kensington roads to almost 12 Mile Road. Canadian National Railway is blaming the stopped trains on a strike in Canada, saying trains are being held near the border because 3,200 employees are striking. Below is a full statement from CN:โUnfortunately, 3,200 employees in Canada are on strike, forcing us to curtail operations. As a result, some trains are being held near the border.
Gov. Whitmer introduces plan to combat opioid epidemic in Michigan
Gretchen Whitmer introduced a plan Thursday to combat the opioid epidemic in Michigan. โIโm formally setting a goal to reduce the number of opioid deaths by 50 percent in the next five years,โ Whitmer said. The plan to reduce opioid deaths includes improved access to treatment and expanded services. Doctors will also be educated on how to safely prescribe the drugs, and a media campaign will address stigmas surrounding opioid addiction. โThe media campaign, called Auto Correct, will implement an animated graphic that replaces a stigmatizing word with a healing word," said Robert Gordon, the director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Judge denies bond for Van Buren Township man charged in wifeโs homicide
ROMULUS, Mich. โ A Van Buren Township man charged with allegedly murdering his wife was arraigned Saturday. Local 4 cameras were rolling as 63-year old Terrance OโNeal was arraigned through a TV monitor. As he stood before a judge, OโNeal heard the charges he is facing. Van Buren Township police said witnesses told them both OโNeal and his wife 62-year old Belinda OโNeal were arguing and in the middle of that argument, he allegedly shot her. On Saturday his attorney asked for a reasonable bond, due to this being his first offense with the law, but the judge denied bond.
Dashcam footage shows Oak Park police officer being dragged by vehicle during traffic stop
OAK PARK, Mich. โ A driver took off during a traffic stop Sunday, dragging an Oak Park police officer behind her vehicle. Police stopped a Chevrolet Equinox about 4:45 p.m. after the driver was seen stealing clothes from Citi Trends at 9 Mile Road and Coolidge Highway. The driver gave the officer her ID, but when he asked her to get out of the vehicle, she drove away, dragging him for about 20 feet. Police said the woman ran a red light to get away. See dashcam footage in the video above.
Oakland County Child Killer: Lead investigator shares insight about where case stands
ROYAL OAK, Mich. โ Investigators have exhausted many leads while trying to solve the Oakland County Child Killer case. Read more: Oakland County Child Killer case backgroundAt least four children were killed between 1976 and 1977, and investigators have been working for decades to determine who the serial killer is. A lead investigator in the case, Cory Williams, said that DNA is a large part of the investigation, and he is excited about new DNA technology that could help develop profiles in the future. Hear from Williams in the video above.
Father of Oakland County Child Killer victim works to make sure case is never forgotten
OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. โ As we take a closer look at the Oakland County Child Killer case this week, weโre hearing from those who have a real stake in unraveling the mystery thatโs frustrated investigators for more than four decades. Barry King, whose son, Timmy, was the fourth and final known victim, is heavily involved in the case as he does everything possible to ensure the case is not forgotten. At that point, terrified families became certain the murders were the work of a serial killerIn Birmingham, the King family was about to find out that the Oakland County Child Killer was not done yet. Search for killer continues decades laterPolice and prosecutors have a white board with their top 19 suspects on it. Some are in jail, some are dead, and none have been charged with the death of the four children.
Defenders: New footage uncovered in Oakland County Child Killer case
OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. โ It's one of Metro Detroit's biggest unsolved mysteries. A serial killer struck Oakland County in the mid-1970s. Before stranger danger existed, kids in Oakland County would stay out and play until the street lights came on. Defender Kevin Dietz was 12 years old and lived in Bloomfield Hills when the Oakland County Child Killer sent the parents in his neighborhood into a panic. Everyone was speculating who the child killer might be.
Officer hurt during police standoff with triple fatal shooting suspect in Detroit shares story
A police officer spoke to Local 4 after he was shot while trying to help his wife during a standoff with a triple fatal shooting suspect in Detroit. The officer's wife, sister-in-law and niece were all killed by the gunman.