Nine people were shot, 3 fatally, at Al's Barber Shop (L) which is located in a strip mall next to a hair and nail salon. (Credit: Mike Campbell/WWJ Newsradio 950)

DETROIT (WWJ) – Detroit police have confirmed that three people were killed and six others were wounded in a shooting on the city’s northeast side.

It happened at around 6 p.m. Wednesday at Al’s Barber Shop in the 5200 block of 7 Mile Road, west of Mound, near Keystone Street.

According to police, two vehicles pulled up to the barber shop and the gunmen engaged two of the victims before they started shooting. A witnesses said he was riding his bike down 7 Mile when he heard what sounded like ten to 15 seconds of automatic gunfire.

Barber Shop Shooting: Crime Scene Photos

“Two vehicles were involved in a shootout,” Detroit Police spokesperson Kelly Miner said. “Someone shot into the building and that’s when people rushed out of the building and were running into other area businesses for cover.”

In all, police say a total of nine people were shot. Two victims died at the scene, while a third victim later died at the hospital.

The number of people believed shot had gone back and forth between nine and 10 following the shooting, but Sgt. Michael Woody told the Associated Press Thursday morning it was nine after investigators determined one person wasn’t involved.

Police had cordoned off a two-block section of 7 Mile in each direction to investigate, in the area where many of the storefronts are vacant. Bullet holes were observed on the exterior walls behind the barber shop and broken glass littered the ground.

Authorities are looking for two suspect vehicles: a 2004 black Chevy Impala and a 2004 white Chevy Impala. Police said the white vehicle may have a broken window and bullet holes in the back. Police are also searching for the gunmen. One person is reportedly in police custody.

Detroit Police Chief James Craig said illegal gambling has been known to take place at the shop, although it was not immediately clear whether or not the business was specifically targeted.

“We’re not sure if this was over a bad debt; we have no idea,” Craig told reporters at the scene. “We know it’s a barber shop and gambling has occurred in this location.”

Those injured were taken to Detroit Receiving and other hospitals in various conditions. No further information about the victims has been released.

Area residents said there was another shooting at the same location about nine months ago.

Police are expected to release more information about the case at a press conference Thursday morning.

Stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 and CBSDetroit.com for the latest.

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