ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. (AP) — A horrific incident occurred at a splash pad in a Detroit suburb on Saturday, leaving nine individuals injured, including two young children and their mother. Law enforcement later located a suspect at a residence, where the man tragically died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
One 8-year-old boy sustained critical injuries after being shot in the head, while his mother was also in critical condition with wounds to her abdomen and leg. The boy’s 4-year-old brother was in stable condition with a leg injury.
Initial reports suggested up to 10 people had been shot in Rochester Hills, but this number was later revised after confirmation from local hospitals.
The other six victims, all aged 30 or older, were in stable condition. This group included a husband-and-wife couple and a 78-year-old man.
The shooting occurred around 5 p.m. at a city park with a recreation area that features a splash pad. The attacker seemingly targeted victims randomly, firing multiple rounds at the splash pad with a pause to reload.
Witnesses reported the shooter may have used two handguns, but this has not been confirmed by authorities yet.
In the midst of chaos, people were running and getting hit with bullets as the shooter calmly walked back to his vehicle, said Sheriff Mike Bouchard.
Police responded swiftly to the emergency call, arriving at the scene within two minutes. Deputies administered first aid with tourniquets and quickly identified a potential suspect address where law enforcement discovered the deceased individual.
Officials believe the suspect, a 42-year-old white man, did not reside in Rochester Hills and have yet to determine his motive for the attack.
A handgun, empty magazines, and shell casings were found at the splash pad, while the suspect’s residence yielded a semiautomatic rifle and another handgun used in the suspect’s suicide.
Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, highlighting the shock and devastation felt in the community.
Counseling services were offered to those impacted by the shooting, emphasizing the need for support in the aftermath of such a traumatic event.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer also expressed her condolences and pledged support to the local community in the wake of this heartbreaking incident.
