Tonight on the Detroit Evening Report, we cover a local event commemorating Indigenous Peoples’ Day; city officials in Hamtramck considering the use of police drones and more.

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Belle Isle Prayer Walk

A solidarity prayer walk and potluck took place at Belle Isle for Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday. The day is meant to honor the history, culture and contributions of Indigenous communities. The Prayer Walk for the Water event started off in Ralph Wilson Gateway, with stops along the path to pray and reflect. Michigan is home to about 240,000 Native Americans, with 12 federally recognized tribes. 

Hamtramck considers drone use by police

The Hamtramck Police Department wants to get a drone to help solve crimes. Hamtramck Police Chief Jamiel Altaheri says the measure was brought before the city council, but was not approved initially. 

A poll was posted on the police department’s Facebook page, asking people if they thought a drone would be beneficial for the police department. About 300 people responded – 80% voting yes.

Altaheri says the measure will be reintroduced to the city council at its next meeting.

Ohio man arrested for Hamtramck threats

An Ohio man was arrested after allegedly making threats against immigrants in Hamtramck. The man told fellow churchgoers in Toledo that he planned to harm people in Hamtramck last Saturday.

Chief Altaheri says there were extra police on hand in the city during the Hamtramck Neighborhood Arts Festival and Night Bazaar activities in the city that day.

The Toledo Police Department informed the Hamtramck Police Department, who both monitored the situation along with the FBI. The man, identified as 69-year-old William Darocha, then drove to Michigan and was arrested in Taylor and is facing charges of Making Terroristic Threats.

Metro Detroit Out of the Darkness walk

The local chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is hosting a community walk on Belle Isle this weekend. The Metro Detroit Out of the Darkness Walk aims to raise awareness about those impacted by suicide for a day of support.

The community walk takes place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, at Belle Isle. On-site registration begins at 8 a.m.

New Detroit hosting racial equity conference

The racial justice organization New Detroit is hosting the “Just Lead: Advancing Racial Equity Moving Forward Together” conference on Thursday, Oct. 17 at The Icon in Detroit. The conference has themes of health care, Detroit parks, and philanthropy. Awards will also be given to leaders for advancing racial equity.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.