Vigil planned Saturday for slain WSU officer

Detroiters plan to gather Saturday to honor the memory of slain Wayne State University police officer Collin Rose.

A candlelight vigil is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Scripps Park near Grand River and Trumbull, according to a notice from organizers in the Woodbridge neighborhood.

Coordinators also are expected to announce details on a memorial.

“As members of the Woodbridge Community, we treasure our police officers,” organizers said in a statement Friday. “We knew Officer Rose and his commitment to protecting our residents. We also shared his connection with the dog rescue community in Detroit in which both the officer, and his fiancee, were active. Many of us have fond memories of him at those meetings.”

Man denied bail on 1st-degree murder in officer's death

Rose, 29, was shot while attempting a traffic stop on DeAngelo Davis around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday near Lincoln and Brainard. Davis was riding a bicycle at the time, officials said. It was not clear Friday what led to the stop, but police have said Rose did not appear to be targeted.

The officer called for backup at 6:31 p.m. When another WSU officer arrived minutes later, Rose was found suffering from a gunshot wound.

Rose was transported to Detroit Receiving Hospital, where he died Wednesday evening. University officials say he is the first WSU officer to die in the line of duty.

Davis was arrested around 10 p.m. Tuesday, a few blocks from the shooting. He was remanded to jail Friday on charges including first-degree murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

If convicted, the 31-year-old faces up to life in prison without parole on the murder charges.

As the investigation continues, Woodbridge residents are working to honor Rose. They recall the officer accompanying an accident victim to the hospital, helping a neighbor after locking himself out of his car, and remaining “always kind and courteous and never looked down on people.”

“Officer Rose devoted his life to making our neighborhood safer. This event will recognize his contribution,” event organizers said Friday. “Our current and future residents will remember Officer Collin Rose’s service. We will commit ourselves to continuing his work to make our neighborhoods safer. And all the officers who serve our community will feel our appreciation.”

mhicks@detroitnews.com

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