Rochester Hills, Michigan – A gunman opened fire on a splash pad in the Detroit suburb of Rochester Hills, leaving at least nine people wounded on Saturday evening. Authorities believe the suspect is currently barricaded in a nearby home.
According to Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, the male suspect arrived at the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad on East Auburn Road around 5 p.m. local time. He stepped out of his vehicle and began shooting indiscriminately at the area.
“The individual pulled up, exited a vehicle, approached the splash pad, opened fire, reloaded, opened fire, reloaded, left,” Bouchard said. “It appears very random at this point…No connectivity to the victims.”
Bouchard confirmed that between nine to ten people were shot, including an 8-year-old child who is currently in critical condition. Multiple victims with various injuries were rushed to four area hospitals, with at least one undergoing surgery.
The suspect’s identity has not yet been released, but Bouchard stated that he is believed to be “contained” within a home located half a mile from the splash pad.
Law enforcement swiftly identified the potential suspect through evidence gathered at the scene and proceeded to the location, where they discovered a vehicle matching the description of the one seen leaving the scene. A quick perimeter was established, and officers on site either heard or saw the individual they are attempting to communicate with.
The gunman fired up to 28 shots and reloaded multiple times during the incident. A 9mm Glock semi-automatic handgun, along with three empty magazines, was recovered at the scene.
Bouchard also mentioned the recent mass shooting at Oxford High School in a neighboring city, which claimed the lives of four students. He expressed deep sorrow and shock at the recurrence of such tragic events in Oakland County.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her sadness over the shooting, stating, “I am heartbroken to learn about the shooting in Rochester Hills. We are monitoring the situation as updates continue to come in, and are in touch with local officials.”
Rochester Hills is a city located approximately 25 miles north of Detroit. Authorities remain focused on resolving the situation and ensuring the safety of residents.