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In these very uncertain times, police figure they can't be too careful.
Ferndale Police Department alerted area law enforcement agencies about a confidential informan's unconfirmed tip about a plot to "assault/kill officers in the area of 8 Mile and Woodward." The alert, obtained by Deadline Detroit, says there are no specifics but the department is looking into it.
The three-paragraph warning also said that the Hazel Park Police Department had an "officer baiting" in which "a black Chrysler [four-door] occupied by four black males, possibly with New Jersey plates . . . attempted drawing officer's attention by slowing near traffic stops, squealing tires and speeding away. Occurred multiple times in the area of 8 Mile Road and John R."
Lt. Dennis Emmi of the Ferndale Police told Deadline Detroit on Saturday: "We're treating it as a credible threat until proven otherwise."
He said the tip "includes some vague threats against officers. As always we take all these threats seriously."
He said the investigation is in the early stages and the department is getting assistance with its investigation from state and federal law enforcement.
The alert comes in wake of fatal shootings of police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge.
Hazel Park Chief Martin Barner was unavailable Saturday, a dispatcher said.
