"I [have] never seen [any] police around here with [any] guns like that," a neighbor said. "It just didn't seem right."
Neighbors say early Friday afternoon two men, one identified as Ezra Gray, a volunteer for the Detroit 300, tried to raid a house to get back what they thought was stolen property. Allegedly they claimed to be police officers and one of them had an antique rifle.
"All I heard was, 'I don't have [a] problem with you searching my house, but how you came, I don't who you [are], so you don't have [a] warrant. You're not getting in.'"
"It's his house. He's got the right to protect his house," another neighbor said.
Neighbors told investigators that the man who lives there was taking care of another neighbor, who recently passed away and that the dying man left few of his belongings as a token of thanks, but his family wanted the stuff back and asked for the Detroit 300 for help.
In a statement, the Detroit 300 says, "We do not know all of the facts. Mr. Ezra Gray is a citizen volunteer with The Detroit 300. We do not have a membership. Nevertheless, ALL volunteers with The Detroit 300 must sign a volunteer registration form that clearly states that volunteers must act in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan and The Detroit 300 By-laws and resolutions. Any volunteer that act contrary to said laws are acting on behalf of themselves and NOT The Detroit 300. The Detroit 300 is organized like volunteers on Angel's Night in the City of Detroit. We ask people to come and help us walk neighborhoods to gather information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of people who commit violent crimes against seniors, women and children. People see us on the street and walk out of their homes and join us. Whosoever will -- let him or her come and help -- and we pray his or heart is in the right place."
On his volunteer registration form, 47-year-old Ezra Gray says he has a concealed pistol license and describes himself as an expert in martial arts, bomb handling and army and firearm tactics.
Neighbors say this could have ended much differently.
"It would've been an all out shootout for real because you [come to] somebody's door with a gun talking about you [are] the police when you're really not, you don't know what that man [has] got in his house."
Both men are facing several felony charges, including felony possession of a firearm, felony home invasion and impersonating a police officer, which is also a felony.
Tuesday, March 12 2013 4:33 PM EDT2013-03-12 20:33:13 GMT
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:08:52 GMT
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 9:12 PM EDT2013-05-16 01:12:58 GMT
There was a last ditch effort Wednesday to save Oakman Elementary and Orthopedic School, a Detroit public school that services a high number of disabled and special needs children.
There was a last ditch effort Wednesday to save Oakman Elementary and Orthopedic School, a Detroit public school that services a high number of disabled and special needs children.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 7:12 PM EDT2013-05-15 23:12:48 GMT
Makayla Lance is only 17 years old and facing death. Tuesday she was shot in the face allegedly by her 18-year-old boyfriend. When police responded to the scene, he was trying to save her life.
Makayla Lance is only 17 years old and facing death. Tuesday she was shot in the face allegedly by her 18-year-old boyfriend. When police responded to the scene, he was trying to save her life.
Thursday, May 9 2013 4:54 PM EDT2013-05-09 20:54:33 GMT
We've all had one of those days. You have a million things on your mind and are moving way too fast. In Southfield, one woman's absent minded moment put her in a tight spot.
We've all had one of those days. You have a million things on your mind and are moving way too fast. In Southfield, one woman's absent minded moment put her in a tight spot.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:54 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:54:14 GMT
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:46 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:46:26 GMT
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:44 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:44:18 GMT
Today at 2 p.m. 100 community leaders, union officials, concerned residents and Northwestern High School Alumni will protest the closure of the high school.
Today at 2 p.m. 100 community leaders, union officials, concerned residents and Northwestern High School Alumni will protest the closure of the high school.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:36 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:36:39 GMT
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:19 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:19:38 GMT
Police say a 1-year-old boy has died after being found unresponsive in a water-filled bathtub in Flint. Police are treating the child's death Monday night as suspicious.
Police say a 1-year-old boy has died after being found unresponsive in a water-filled bathtub in Flint. Police are treating the child's death Monday night as suspicious.
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