Detroit responds to flash flooding. Again

Flooded street in Warrendale
Photo by Frank Nemecek

Southeastern Michigan was once again hit with heavy rainfall that flooded streets, stranded motorists and caused problems throughout the region. Mayor Mike Duggan released a report this evening that broke down how the city government has responded to this crisis.

The information below represents the City’s response as of 5 p.m. Agencies will continue to respond to flooding as long as needed. Residents who would like to report water and sewer emergency issues can call (313) 267-7401 or use the Improve Detroit - SeeClickFix” mobile app for Apple and Android devices.

More than 275 flooded street drains have been fully cleared by City agencies. The Mayor's Office released the following numbers to break down exactly how they have responded.

Detroit Water and Sewerage Department
Crews dispatched from West Yard: 5
Crews dispatched from Huber location: 24
          Sewer investigation crews: 3
          General crews: 21
Vactor Trucks dispatched: 8

Detroit Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Partially activated Emergency Operation Center
Coordinating efforts between Police, Fire, Public Works, General Services, Public Lighting and the Department of Transportation

General Services Department
5 crews reassigned to assist with flooding response
4 members per crew
Crews continue to canvass streets to identify and clean street drains

Department of Public Works
18 crews deployed
2 person crews
Crews continue to canvass streets to identify and clean street drains

Detroit Fire Department
Responded to and conducted 9 rescues in response to flooding

Detroit Department of Transportation
Through morning and afternoon hours, DDOT experienced minimal service interruptions. However, routes were behind schedule due to traffic and flooding issues.

For the evening commute, DDOT will have its normal deployment level on the road. They will work to keep delays to a minimum.

Detroit police officer dies after being shot

Sargent Kenneth Steil of the Detroit Police Department passed away this evening as a result of injuries that he received after being shot in the line of duty earlier this week. He served with the Department's 9th Precinct and had been a member of the underwater recovery team.

According to the police, Sgt. Steil and two other men were shot with a sawed-off shotgun by 21-year old Marquise Cromer of Detroit. Cromer reportedly shot two men during two separate incidents this past Tuesday - an attempted carjacking in Hamtramck and another carjacking later in Detroit.

Detroit Police later located Cromer in the vicinity of 7 Mile and Hayes on the city's east side. While attempting to apprehend this suspect, Cromer allegedly shot Sgt. Steil in the shoulder with a sawed-off shotgun. Officers managed to apprehend Cromer and transport their injured counterpart to St. John Hospital for medical treatment.

Doctors were initially positive about Sgt. Steil's prognosis. Unfortunately, his condition took a turn for this worse today and he succumbed to his injuries this evening.

The friends and family members of Sgt. Steil are in my thoughts and prayers today.