ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – A horrifying incident unfolded at a splash pad in suburban Detroit on Saturday, leaving eight individuals wounded after shots were fired. Tragically, the suspected gunman has been confirmed dead by authorities, with reports indicating that the individual died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office disclosed that the shooting took place at the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Among the injured were two children, according to the Detroit Free Press. Initially, authorities had suggested that the number of individuals harmed was between nine to ten, but this figure was revised after confirmed reports from local hospitals.
During a press conference, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard revealed that around nine to ten people suffered injuries during the terrifying incident at the water park, with the youngest victim being an 8-year-old child. The sheriff emphasized that the shooting appeared to be random, with the gunman opening fire soon after 5:11 p.m. EDT.
While confirming that the suspect had been “contained nearby” at a residence, Sheriff Bouchard mentioned that the shooter had reloaded multiple times during the attack. A 9mm Glock semiautomatic handgun and three empty magazines were found at the scene, indicating a significant number of shots fired.
Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan K. Barnett expressed his deep sympathy for the affected families, while U.S. Rep. John James highlighted the heartbreaking reality of individuals spending Father’s Day in the hospital. The sheriff’s office mentioned on social media that the area around the splash pad remained an active crime scene, urging people to steer clear as they worked to contain the suspect.
As investigations continue into the motives behind the shooting, Rochester officials emphasized the presence of law enforcement officers from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office at the scene of the incident. Details regarding any fatalities, as well as the identities and conditions of the victims, remained unclear as authorities worked diligently to piece together the events that unfolded at the splash pad in Rochester Hills, located 27 miles north of downtown Detroit.