GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Police say the fatal shooting of a man early Sunday, June 5, in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids escalated from a confrontation between a wedding party and others selling items out of a vehicle.
Armonie Lee Acklin, 25, was killed.
Police arrested the alleged shooter and recovered two handguns shortly after the 12:15 a.m. shooting on Pearl Street NW near Monroe Avenue, Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom said Monday.
He said that police continue to sort out the roles of those involved.
But, he said, “It wasn’t a random incident.”
Related: 1 dead, 3 injured in shooting in heart of downtown Grand Rapids
Acklin’s family told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press that he had stopped to buy a T-shirt when the trouble started. His family said he tried to break up a fight before he was shot.
Winstrom said that some of those in the wedding party, who were at Ambiance GR Kitchen & Lounge on Pearl, had a “long-running feud” with those selling items. A confrontation broke out outside.
At that point, a man allegedly retrieved two handguns from a vehicle and opened fire, killing Acklin and injuring three other men, police said. Their injuries were not life-threatening, police said.
The bride and groom were in the area when the shooting occurred, police said.
The victim’s family said he was shot in the back of his head. His family believes that he was acquainted with the alleged gunman.
Police said that Major Case Team detectives continue to investigate.
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