Police: Workplace dispute led to fatal shooting in Hazel Park

HAZEL PARK — Police have arrested the alleged gunman after a shooting at LG Energy Solution in Hazel Park, an incident that left one dead following what appears to have been an argument.  

Malik Lashawn Dixon-Lynch, 25, of Sterling Heights, was arraigned Oct. 25 in the 43rd District Court in Hazel Park before Judge Brian Hartwell. He has been charged with one count of second-degree homicide, punishable by up to life in prison, as well as two counts of possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony — each a two-year felony — and assault with a dangerous weapon, a four-year felony. No bond was set.

Larry Polk, the attorney for Dixon-Lynch, did not return calls for comment by press time.

The incident occurred around 7 a.m. Oct. 21 at LG Energy Solution, one of the facilities at the Tri-County Commerce Center, located at the corner of 10 Mile and Dequindre roads on what was once the Hazel Park Raceway property. The complex is also home to a distribution center for Amazon.

Police say that Dixon-Lynch and a fellow employee at the LG plant began arguing inside the building and continued arguing in the parking lot outside. That’s when Dixon-Lynch allegedly fired two shots from a 9mm handgun, which both struck the victim, a 27-year-old man from Clinton Township. The victim died at the scene. 

Dixon-Lynch also reportedly aimed the gun at a Detroit man, 25, but did not shoot him. He was then confronted by police and arrested inside the plant. He did not resist the responding officers and a weapon was recovered at the scene.

Hazel Park Police Chief Brian Buchholz said in an email that his investigators are still piecing together exactly what happened and why.  

“The dispute was arguing over workplace performance, to our understanding,” Buchholz said. 

The chief also lamented the violent turn of events. 

“This is a senseless tragedy that should not have occurred at all. No argument or altercation should rise to this level,” Buchholz said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of everyone involved in this horrible event.”

Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 864-4738.