After a weekend shooting targeted at a DTE Energy employee while on the job, DTE Energy and Local 223 of the Utility Workers Union of America have increased the reward to $5,000.
“We’re doing everything we can to help our employees feel safe when they’re working on behalf of our customers and the communities we serve,” said Trevor Lauer, senior vice president of distribution operations at DTE Energy.
Anyone who provides information leading to the arrest of the person who shot the DTE Energy employee will be rewarded. Individuals can remain anonymous and still be eligible for the cash reward.
The employee sustained non-life threatening injuries from a gunshot wound to his hand while sitting in his marked DTE vehicle in Detroit. The incident occurred in the area of Van Dyke and Kern streets while the employee was performing storm-related activities.
He was released from the hospital Sunday.
DTE security obtained surveillance video from a business in the area and is following up on all leads, as well as working closely with the city of Detroit.
The city has given the company permission to park service vehicles in most of the lots where it has around-the-clock operations. This has allowed DTE employees a safe place to park while waiting to be dispatched to another location or completing paperwork.
Assaulting a utility worker is an enhanced felony in Michigan and can result in additional prison time.
“Our workers are doing inherently dangerous work and they shouldn’t have to worry about their personal safety. We hope the community will help us minimize threats to our workers,” said Lauer.
Anyone with information about this crime is being asked to call 313-235-9119.
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