Gunman who randomly fired shots on crowded Detroit sidewalk sentenced

DETROIT - Christopher Wade was sentenced to 25 months in federal prison for a random shooting near Grand Circus Park in July 2024. He had pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, marking the third felony plea in his criminal history.

On July 23, 2024, Wade was involved in an argument that escalated, leading him to indiscriminately fire shots at the busy intersection of Woodward and Adams avenues. Fortunately, no individuals were injured, although a witness's vehicle was struck by gunfire. Law enforcement officers quickly apprehended Wade at the scene, discovering a handgun in his backpack, which contained an empty magazine. He acknowledged that he was aware he wasn't permitted to possess a firearm.

Wade's violent behavior was not an isolated incident; it was the second public shooting he committed within a month and the fourth in a decade, showcasing a troubling pattern. His previous felony convictions include a 2019 plea for discharging a firearm in or near a building, coupled with carrying a concealed weapon, resulting in three years of probation.

In March 2021, Wade again faced legal consequences after pleading guilty to felony possession of burglary tools, which similarly led to another three-year probation sentence.

Wade’s repeated offenses illustrate significant concerns regarding gun violence and recidivism, prompting authorities to take more stringent measures against individuals who disregard firearm regulations, particularly those with prior felony convictions.