A dispute over a food delivery at Detroit Manufacturing Systems took a tragic turn when 31-year-old Harmon Ulmer, a recently promoted employee, was fatally shot by a security guard. The incident unfolded late Sunday night when Ulmer’s girlfriend attempted to deliver food to him at his workplace, only to be denied entry by a security guard. This seemingly routine delivery ignited a chain of events that ended in heartbreak for Ulmer’s family.
A Promising Future Cut Short
Ulmer, who had recently been promoted from a team member to a team lead, was making strides in his career at Detroit Manufacturing Systems. His mother, Lucretia Banks, described her son as having been on a positive path, celebrating his recent promotion and excited for the opportunities it brought. Tragically, this new chapter in his career would be the last as the argument over the food delivery quickly escalated.
The Dispute Begins
According to Banks, Ulmer’s girlfriend arrived at the factory to deliver food, but she was stopped by the security guard, who informed her that since she didn’t work there, she was not allowed to enter. Hearing of the situation, Ulmer came out to meet her, which led to a verbal altercation between him and the security guard. At this point, details remain somewhat unclear, but what is known is that the disagreement soon turned deadly.
A Fatal Decision
Amid the argument, the security guard allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot Ulmer in the chest. Witnesses report that Ulmer, after being shot, made his way back to his car, likely unaware of the severity of his injuries. Although he did have a gun on him, Banks confirmed that he did not have a license to carry. Detroit police later informed Banks that her son never fired his weapon. He got into his vehicle and attempted to drive away from the scene but collided with a light pole, succumbing to his injuries there.
Detroit Police Investigate the Shooting
Following the incident, Detroit police detained the security guard, who remains in police custody. The agency representing the guard has not issued any statements regarding the shooting, stating that the matter is under investigation. Meanwhile, Banks has been in contact with Detroit Manufacturing Systems, where the incident took place. She shared that company representatives have been supportive, offering prayers and reassurances that they are committed to helping her family through this tragic time.
Seeking Justice for Harmon Ulmer
As she mourns the loss of her son, Banks is adamant about her pursuit of justice. She has publicly vowed to hold the security guard accountable, stating that she wants to see him face consequences for her son’s death. The shooting has raised questions about security protocols and the role of third-party security companies at workplaces, especially regarding the handling of disputes that do not typically warrant the use of lethal force.
Community Reactions and Company Response
Fox 2 News reached out to Detroit Manufacturing Systems for comment, and the company responded with a brief statement, confirming their involvement with the family and expressing their condolences. They clarified that the security guard involved was an employee of a third-party security company, distancing themselves from the specifics of the guard’s actions. The incident has cast a somber shadow over the factory and its employees, many of whom are now grappling with the tragic loss of a colleague and the unsettling nature of the circumstances surrounding his death.
A Mother’s Grief and a Community’s Outcry
For Banks, the grief of losing her son is compounded by the circumstances of his death. She describes her son’s efforts to better his life and the sense of accomplishment he felt in his new role at Detroit Manufacturing Systems. Now, she faces the daunting task of moving forward without him, driven by her mission to secure justice. As she continues to search for answers, her call for accountability underscores a broader community concern about workplace safety and the handling of conflicts by security personnel.
Ingrid Kelley from Fox 2 Detroit reported on the incident, capturing the pain and determination of Ulmer’s mother as she navigates this unimaginable loss. The community, too, is left questioning the tragic series of events that turned a simple food delivery into a deadly encounter. As investigations continue, many are left wondering how such a routine interaction could escalate to fatal violence and what can be done to prevent similar incidents in the future.