'I’m Completely Heartbroken,' Wife Of Fallen Detroit Officer Says

DETROIT — The wife of a Detroit Police officer who was killed in the line of duty Wednesday night shared a heartfelt goodbye on social media.

Kristine Courts said that her husband was "so much more than a police officer."

"He was an amazing dad, my best friend and the man I married," Kristine Courts said. "I can’t begin to imagine how we are going to live without him. My babies need him. I need him. I keep thinking I’m going to wake up from this nightmare and he’s going to come home.

"I’m completely heartbroken, me and my babies will never be the same. I already miss his hugs, his voice, his jokes, and his smile with those eyes," she said.

Officials said Detroit Officer Loren Courts, 40, was killed Wednesday night in Detroit when he responded to reports of shots being fired in the area of Joy Road and Marlowe Street around 7:30 p.m.

The 19-year-old gunman, Ehmani Davis, then ambushed officers from an upstairs apartment window and fired shots at them from a Draco assault, striking Courts while he was in the patrol car, Detroit Police Chief James White said during a Thursday news conference.

Courts’ partner, Detroit Officer Amanda Hudgens, immediately rendered aid to Courts, selflessly putting her own life at risk as Davis began walking out of the apartment complex toward the officers, White said.

Other officers quickly arrived at the scene and fired back at Davis, fatally striking him numerous times, White said.

Courts was taken to Sinai Grace Hospital, where he later died from gunshot injuries, police said.

"Today is a somber day for the Detroit Police Department," White said. "Candidly, we were robbed. We were robbed of one of our heroes. The city was robbed of a great father, a great police officer, a great brother, a great son, and a great husband - and we should all be outraged."

White also condemned gun violence in the city and nationwide.

"Regardless of where you stand politically on owning a weapon, these assault weapons are ridiculous in our Communities," White said. "They're causing death, period."

Former Detroit Police Chief and Wayne County Executive Warren Evans also offered his condolences to the Courts' family.

"Officer Courts is a second generation police officer and was a dedicated member of the DPD for five years. He leaves to cherish his memory two children. Wayne County sends our prayers," Evans said.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel also offered condolences.

"May we honor and remember him as a hero and recognize the sacrifice those in law enforcement make on a daily basis to protect our communities," Nessel said.