Activists Demand Firing of Detroit Police Officer
Protesters seek charges against an officer who shot an 18-year-old fleeing suspect in the back.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Law Enforcement
Activists gathered at Detroit City Hall to demand the termination of Officer David Gonzalez following the June 22 shooting of 18-year-old Alonzo Lee-Perkins. The group is also urging the Wayne County Prosecutor to file charges against the officer and drop pending charges against Lee-Perkins.
Why it matters
Activists argue that police should not utilize lethal force against fleeing suspects who present no immediate danger. The prosecutor has previously declined to charge the officer, citing self-defense laws and statutes regarding the apprehension of fleeing felons.
Alonzo Lee-Perkins faces charges of carrying a concealed weapon, felony firearm, and resisting police. The Wayne County Prosecutor previously declined to charge Officer David Gonzalez, citing self-defense laws.
The players
David Gonzalez
He is the Detroit police officer who shot Alonzo Lee-Perkins.
Alonzo Lee-Perkins
He is the 18-year-old man who was shot in the back by police.
Detroit Police Officers Association
This union represents members of the police department and previously challenged video release policies.
The details
Body-camera footage shows Officer Gonzalez chasing Lee-Perkins into a parking lot where the teenager was shot in the back while appearing to run away empty-handed. Although a gun was later recovered at the scene, the Detroit Police Department has previously established training protocols discouraging officers from shooting at suspects fleeing for gun possession offenses.
Timeline
June 22, 2026: Officer David Gonzalez shot Alonzo Lee-Perkins.
September 2025: A report detailed police shooting patterns.
October 20, 2026: Activists presented demands at Detroit City Hall.
Legal Context
The prosecutor's decision to decline charges against the officer reflects the current application of Michigan's self-defense and fleeing felon statutes. Local reform efforts continue to challenge how these laws interact with department training on nonviolent stops.
The incident has prompted heightened scrutiny of city police tactics during nonviolent stops. Residents may see continued activist presence at municipal buildings as the legal status of the shooting remains a subject of intense local debate.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing tension between established self-defense laws and departmental policies regarding the use of force. It underscores the difficulty in reconciling state statutes with calls for stricter limitations on officer conduct during nonviolent encounters.
Further reading
For more information on local oversight, visit Detroit Law Enforcement.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Detroit Free Press.
