Nine people, including two young children and their mother, were injured when a gunman opened fire at a splash pad in a Detroit suburb where families had gathered to escape the summer heat on Saturday.
Police situated the gunman at a nearby home, where he badly shot himself, according to authorities.
Two Children Sustained Injuries at Splash Pad Shooting
During a news briefing, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard reported that an 8-year-old boy was dangerously wounded after being shot in the head, while his mother remained in a critical situation with wounds to her abdomen and leg. The boy's 4-year-old brother sustained a leg injury but was in a stable situation.
The other six casualties, all aged 30 or older, were reported as stable. Among them were a husband-and-wife pair and a 78-year-old man.
The firing happened shortly after 5 p.m. at a city park featuring a recreational area with a nonslip surface and water sprays.
Bouchard signified that the attack appeared random, with the shooter driving to the park, walking to the splash pad, and firing up to 28 shots, reloading multiple times. Though a witness mentioned the use of two handguns, this has yet to be verified.
In the chaotic aftermath, responders quickly conducted help, including tourniquets, with police recovering a handgun, three empty magazines, and numerous shell casings from the scene.
Using the handgun's registration, investigators determined the suspect's possible address, where they discovered a vehicle matching his description.
After surrounding the home and attempting to contact the suspect to no avail, law enforcement entered and discovered his body.
Bouchard confirmed the man's death was a result of self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Inside the residence, authorities found a handgun near the body, potentially the second weapon mentioned by witnesses, along with a semiautomatic rifle on the kitchen table.
The swift containment of the suspect likely prevented further violence, Bouchard remarked.
Authorities Identified the Shooter Involved in Splash Pad Shooting
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and Bouchard stated the suspect had no ties to Rochester Hills. He emphasized the ongoing investigation into any potential writings or electronic clues that could shed light on the motive.
The suspect, described as a 42-year-old with no criminal record, reportedly lived with his mother and had been facing undisclosed mental health challenges.
Community leaders expressed deep sorrow over the incident, with Rochester Mayor Bryan Barnett describing the splash pad as a place meant for joy and community gathering.
The shooting occurred as students began their summer vacation, adding to the tragedy felt across Oakland County.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her condolences, stating she was monitoring the situation closely and in contact with local authorities.
Authorities identified the shooter at a Rochester Hills splash pad as 42-year-old Michael William Nash from Shelby Township, who took his own life afterward.
Investigators are probing for clues about his motives. Nash had no criminal record but reportedly faced mental health challenges.
The shooting injured nine, including critically an 8-year-old boy and a 39-year-old woman. Sheriff Michael Bouchard detailed how Nash opened fire at Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad and then fled to a nearby residence, where he died after a standoff.
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