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Nine individuals were wounded, among them two youngsters, following a shooting spree at a splash pad park in Michigan on Saturday afternoon, law enforcement officials reported.
The shooting incident took place near the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad in Rochester Hills, approximately 25 miles north of Detroit, and the assailant was later discovered deceased Saturday evening, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s office.
Sheriff Mike Bouchard of Oakland County stated that the 42-year-old suspect was found at his residence, where he lived with his mother.
The incident at the Rochester Hills splash pad, captured in images, shows the aftermath of the tragic event that unfolded on Saturday, 06/15/2024.
Sheriff Bouchard informed the press that initial findings suggest the attack was indiscriminate. The suspect is reported to have stepped out of a vehicle, discharged a weapon at the splash pad attendees, reloaded his firearm, shot again, and then fled the scene. In total, the suspect fired 28 shots as per the sheriff’s report.
Among the victims, two were boys from the same family; an 8-year-old was critically injured with a head wound, and a 4-year-old was hit in the thigh but is in stable condition. Their 39-year-old mother also suffered severe injuries to her abdomen and legs and is in critical condition. Six additional individuals sustained injuries but were in stable condition, according to law enforcement authorities.
As soon as the first 911 call was received at 5:11 p.m. on Saturday, law enforcement officers arrived on the scene within two minutes, although the shooter had already left the area, said Bouchard. A semi-automatic handgun and three magazines were retrieved at the scene, and an AR-15-style rifle was located at the suspect’s home.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her profound sorrow over the incident and stated that she is closely following the situation while remaining in contact with local authorities.