Large-scale investigation near Pingree Park focuses on unresolved disappearances and vacant properties across Detroit
A major law enforcement search is underway on Detroit’s east side as Detroit police, the FBI, Michigan State Police and multiple other agencies work through vacant homes and lots as part of a broader missing persons operation.
The search began Tuesday morning near Pingree Park, around Forest Avenue and Iroquois Street, where officers, investigators, tracking dogs, fire crews, emergency vehicles and heavy equipment were seen operating near a command center.
Authorities say the effort is part of Operation United Block, a joint initiative involving local, state and federal agencies focused on unresolved missing persons cases across Detroit.
Detroit police said the current search area covers approximately eight blocks by four blocks and includes around 25 vacant homes, along with surrounding vacant lots and other areas that investigators believe may contain possible evidence.
According to Detroit Police Commander Rebecca McKay, the purpose of the operation is to search vacant lots, vacant homes and open areas for any signs connected to missing persons.
“The operation is to go through vacant lots, vacant homes, and clear areas for any signs of missing persons that are out there today,”
— Cmdr. Rebecca McKay
Officials emphasized that the search is not limited to one missing person, but one case helped bring investigators to this area.
Police said the disappearance of 32-year-old Shanika Brewer, who was last reported in April 2023, prompted the search in the Pingree Park neighborhood. Brewer was reportedly last seen visiting a friend’s house on Sheridan Street near Forest Avenue, roughly half a mile from the current search zone.
Families Hoping for Answers
Family members of Brewer have welcomed the renewed law enforcement effort after years of uncertainty.
“God answered my prayers today. I needed this.”
— Alexis Thompkins, cousin of Shanika Brewer
Brewer’s family said she has been missing for just over three years and expressed frustration that earlier efforts did not bring the same level of attention.
“When I first brought the case up, it’s like nobody wanted to help. I’ve been wanting this. I’ve been advocating for her. I’ve been trying so hard. And to finally get this far, it made me so happy.”
— Alexis Thompkins
Detroit police and partner agencies say the search is part of a wider citywide initiative expected to continue beyond this week. Officials indicated that additional searches and operations are planned through October as part of the same missing persons effort.
The timing is also significant because May is recognized nationally as Missing and Unidentified Persons Month, a period when law enforcement agencies often highlight unresolved cases and renew public awareness efforts.
“We Don’t Give Up”
Cmdr. McKay said investigators remain committed to following leads and continuing searches until families receive answers.
“I would say that we don’t give up. We continue to search. We continue to do everything that we can. We follow up on every single lead that we receive. We will continue to do that until we are able to bring loved ones home to their family.”
— Cmdr. Rebecca McKay
Michigan State Police First Lieutenant Mike Shaw said the operation is ultimately about giving families hope and closure.
“This is just a way for us to try and bring those loved ones back to their families. If it goes where we don’t find anybody in this particular instance, then we tried.”
— First Lt. Mike Shaw, Michigan State Police
Heavy Equipment, Vacant Homes and Public Attention
The use of multiple agencies, dogs and heavy equipment drew immediate attention across the neighborhood, but officials have not announced any confirmed discovery of remains or evidence as of the latest public updates.
Authorities are urging the public not to spread unverified claims or speculation online. At this stage, the operation remains officially described as a missing persons search connected to unresolved cases.
The search also highlights a broader challenge facing Detroit: the role of vacant homes, abandoned properties and empty lots in public safety investigations.
In neighborhoods with large numbers of vacant structures, investigators often face difficult conditions when trying to locate missing persons or follow old leads. Many properties may remain untouched for years, complicating searches and evidence recovery efforts.
For families of the missing, those searches can be emotionally difficult — but also deeply important.
The Pingree Park operation shows how unresolved disappearances can remain active years after a person is last seen, especially when families continue pressing for answers and investigators return to locations that may not have been fully searched before.
Detroit police said crews are expected to remain in the area for at least two days and will continue searching as long as necessary.
For now, officials say the operation is focused on one central goal:
Finding answers for families who have waited years for information about their missing loved ones.


















































































































































































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