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Gratiot Gas Station Clerk Charged in Fatal Shooting of Detroit Man

On October 12, 2020 at 10:45 p.m. it is alleged that gas station clerk Mohammed Hizam, 18, (DOB:11/21/01), of Hamtramck, fatally shot Joshua Lewis, 30, inside a gas station convenience store located in the 10070 block of Gratiot in the City of Detroit. It is alleged that the clerk observed Mr. Lewis breaking the glass of a Coin Pusher game of chance machine with a hammer. The defendant observed Mr. Lewis from enclosed glass portion of the store breaking into the machine. It is alleged that the defendant remained in the enclosed portion of the store, picked up a rifle, and fired one shot fatally striking Lewis. Hizam called 911, Detroit police arrived at the scene, investigated, and placed him under arrest. Mr. Lewis was pronounced deceased from a single gunshot wound to the chest.

The Detroit Police Department submitted a warrant request to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office on October 14, 2020 at approximately 12:30 p.m. The case was been assigned to the Prosecutor's Violent Crime Reduction Initiative*. It was returned on Friday, October 16, 2020 for further investigation because several items were needed to complete the review. The items needed for a charging decision have been submitted by DPD and the review process is now complete.

"We cannot and will not rush to judgment on potential homicide cases. We will review them carefully and thoughtfully. I want to thank the detectives who worked around the clock with my staff on this case. These dedicated officers kept their heads down, filtered out the outside noise, and got the needed work done. At the appropriate time, we will present the facts to a judge and jury and let justice prevail," said Prosecutor Worthy.
Defendant Hizam has been charged with Second Degree Murder, Manslaughter, and two counts of Felony Firearm. * The defendant was arraigned this afternoon in 36^th District Court and received a $500,000 cash/surety bond. His Probable Cause Conference is scheduled for November 4, 2020 and his Preliminary Examination is scheduled for November 10, 2020 before Judge Kenneth King. Please request a photograph of the defendant after the arraignment.

*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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