Nine people were wounded, including an eight-year-old boy in critical condition, in a shooting incident that occurred at a splash pad in Rochester Hills, Michigan. The tragic event unfolded on Saturday, leading to a significant police response and the death of the suspect by suicide.
According to Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, at least two of the victims were children, with the eight-year-old boy sustaining a gunshot wound to the head. The suspect, in what appeared to be a random act, opened fire at the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad before fleeing the scene.
Law enforcement swiftly contained the suspect, who was later found dead by suicide at a nearby residence. The quick response of authorities potentially averted further harm, as an additional weapon was discovered at the scene.
Deputies arrived at the splash pad within minutes of the initial call, providing immediate aid to the injured individuals. The suspect, armed with a 9mm Glock pistol and multiple magazines, fired numerous rounds before taking his own life.
The victims, ranging from children to adults, were transported to local hospitals for treatment. The eight-year-old boy's mother and four-year-old brother were among those injured, with the mother in critical condition and the younger sibling stable.
Sheriff Bouchard commended the deputies for their swift actions and emphasized the gravity of the situation, particularly in light of recent tragedies in Oakland County. The incident comes in the wake of the Oxford High School shooting in 2021, further underscoring the community's resilience in the face of such senseless violence.
Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the shooting, as the suspect was not a resident of Rochester Hills. Corewell Health, a local healthcare provider, confirmed treating some of the victims and expressed solidarity with those affected by the tragedy.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her sorrow over the incident and pledged support to the affected families. The sheriff's office has urged the public to avoid the area as investigations continue into the heartbreaking events that unfolded at the splash pad.
