Employee killed during stabbing at Chrysler's Jefferson North Assembly plant in Detroit

Suspected attacker flees Chrysler plant, later kills self on Detroit's Belle Isle

DETROIT – Two people are dead following an apparent love triangle quarrel Thursday morning at Chrysler's Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit.

A Chrysler line worker stabbed his union steward by the loading docks of the plant on Conner Street.

Watch: Uncut: Press conference on Chrysler plant stabbing

Police sources said the line worker stabbed the steward over a possible affair with his wife, who also works at the plant. Sources including plant workers and neighbors have identified the victim as union steward Keith Readus and the suspect as his coworker Jeff Hunt.

Readus lived at the Parkstone Apartments not far from the Detroit plant. Hunt lived in a new home in Brownstown.

Detroit Police Inspector Dwayne Blackmon said the incident was isolated and strictly limited to a dispute between the two men. He said a knife was recovered in the plant.

"From the initial accounts, it appears to have been a face-to-face encounter," said Blackmon.

The line worker then drove to nearby Belle Isle and shot himself.

Production has been suspended for the day and first shift workers were sent home. Second shifts workers are also off. Grief counselors are available.

-- Scene on Belle Isle

The plant has a no weapons policy, but doesn't have metal detectors.

Statement from Chrysler:

"Chrysler Group is deeply saddened by events that occurred at its Jefferson North Assembly Plant this morning. Two employees were involved in an altercation inside the plant. One employee was stabbed and unfortunately pronounced dead at the scene. The Detroit Police Department is currently investigating. Production has been suspended for this morning and employees are being released."

Statement from UAW:

"The UAW expresses our deepest sympathy to the families of our members involved in the tragic incident today at Chrysler's Jefferson North Assembly Plant. Although many details are unknown at this time, we are deeply saddened by the loss of life." 

The Jefferson North plant employs just over 3,000 workers on two shifts. The 3-million-square-foot plant makes the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango full-size SUVs.