Born in 1976, Allen Lane Griffin Jr. resided in Detroit, Michigan. He was employed at a car wash and was a father of three children. Griffin had a history of criminal activity, including a 1988 burglary conviction and a 1993 conviction for carrying a concealed weapon and attempting to deliver more than 50 grams of cocaine. At the time of the shootings, he was wanted for violating probation. Family members reported that Griffin was despondent over a failed marriage; his wife had recently filed for divorce and restricted his access to their children. Additionally, the death of his grandmother in October 1996 reportedly contributed to his deteriorating mental state. Relatives described him as suicidal, with his aunt stating, "He didn't want to kill himself. He wanted somebody else to do it for him."

On the morning of March 11, 1997, around 10:00 a.m., Griffin commenced a shooting spree in Detroit, Michigan. He first encountered 23-year-old Eric Skalnek, a police recruit applicant jogging near Denby High School, and shot him in the face with a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun. Skalnek survived the attack.

Griffin then stole a Volvo from a nearby driveway and drove to a Comerica Bank branch located at Duchess and Morang. Upon entering the bank, he ordered everyone to lie on the floor and instructed them to recite the Lord's Prayer. During this, he fatally shot 25-year-old bank employee James Isom and 52-year-old branch manager Stanley Pijanowski III. He also shot 38-year-old assistant branch manager Lisa Griffin (no relation), injuring her hand and jaw.

As Griffin exited the bank, he took 77-year-old customer Stanley Hays hostage. Despite police orders to release Hays, Griffin shot him in the head, killing him. Police then opened fire on Griffin, killing him at the scene.

The motive behind Griffin's actions remains unclear. While some speculated about a possible failed relationship between Griffin and Pijanowski, no definitive evidence was established.