Detroit police to increase patrols after block party shootout

Detroit police are implementing a multilayered strategy to tackle violence at block parties, including beefing up patrols and cracking down on illegal gatherings following a fatal mass shooting over the weekend.

The big picture: Sunday morning's violence was the worst incident Detroit Police Chief James White says he's experienced in his three years as chief.

• The shooting was the first major act of violence in a summer that has otherwise seen a decrease in violent crime .

Catch up quick: Twenty-one people shot round 2am Sunday amid a gunfight among multiple groups, most younger than 22 , at the type of block party that officials said is a growing form of illegal gathering in the city. No one has been arrested.

• Two people were killed in the shooting, which occurred near Wish-Egan field at Reno Avenue and Rossini Drive, an area known for crime and gang activity.
• Six young men and 15 young women were injured, including a 17-year-old woman who remains in critical condition.
• Police say there have been three homicides and 24 injuries from shootings at six separate parties from July 4-7.

The latest: The Detroit Police Department will deploy at least 80 officers during times of parties — "a robust number," White said. The DPD will also establish a "neighborhood response team" for block party compliance and enforcement. White says 911 calls about illegal block parties, previously classified as Priority 2 or 3 responses, will now be escalated to Priority 1.

• Party promoters and property owners hosting unpermitted parties will be subject to prosecution under Detroit City Code violations for disturbing the peace and disorderly conduct.

Between the lines: The department's new strategy will be implemented as groups and artists across the city discuss growing concern about the over-policing of large gatherings. Community members in Southwest will meet at Clark Park on Thursday to speak against the police-ordered shutdown of a Cinco De Mayo party on West Vernor, and an audition for an annual music festival earlier this year.

What they're saying: White stressed that summer gatherings are part of the city's fabric and encouraged permitted events preapproved by the city.

• "We can host lawful, safe events," White said. "Whether it be Beyoncé to come into town, Taylor Swift, the [NFL] Draft — we know how to do this."

What's next: Prosecutor Kym Worthy offered few details at the press conference and cautioned the public that the investigation would take time as hundreds of individuals need to be questioned.

• The department said it received 63 ShotSpotter alerts, but didn't answer whether the tool will be used in the ongoing investigation.