The crime-fighting community organization known as Detroit 300 announced it will begin patrolling high-crime neighborhoods in response to the accidental shooting of a 9-month-old child in Detroit earlier this week.
The infant, Delric Waymon Miller IV, died Monday after a series of AK-47 shots were fired into his home on the city's west side.
Founded in 2010, Detroit 300 is a coalition of citizens, groups and businesses who say they are dedicated to deterring crime by tracking down suspected criminals.
The organization's president, Raphael B. Johnson, said members plan to hunt down those responsible for Miller's death and bring them to justice. Because the incident allegedly involved gang activity, the group plans to target local gangs.
"We don't care what gang, crew or clique you claim. When you kill babies in this city, you are our enemy," said Johnson.
Neighborhood patrols made of of coalition members will focus their efforts on sectors identified as high crime areas by Detroit Police crime analysis reports. The group hopes to reach community members who won't speak to police due to the stigma against snitching.
"We are going to organize unafraid men all over this city and run the undesirables away," said Johnson. "For the sake of our children and senior citizens, our message is simple: Either you are with us or against us."
Miller's death is the second such incident involving a child in recent weeks. Gunfire killed 12-year-old Kade'jah Davis on Jan. 31, when a man fired into her house on the 19400 block of Ferguson after a dispute with her mother.
Detroit 300 is currently seeking volunteers to help with their patrols. The organization will hold a press conference on the initiative at 3:30 pm Wednesday, Feb. 22 at the Northwest Activity Center located at 18100 Meyers Rd. For more information visit www.thedetroit300.org.