Rochester Hills, Michigan – A tragic incident unfolded at a splash pad park in Rochester Hills, Michigan, when a 42-year-old gunman opened fire on innocent bystanders. Nine individuals, including two children, were shot as the alleged gunman unleashed nearly 30 rounds in a senseless act of violence. The suspect, identified as Michael William Nash, was later found dead by police, having taken his own life.
The victims of the shooting ranged in age from 4 to 78, with three individuals, including an 8-year-old boy, undergoing surgery following the incident. Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard revealed that the shooting appeared to be random, as the suspect fired upon the splash pad before fleeing the scene. The young victims, an 8-year-old boy and a 4-year-old boy, sustained injuries but were listed in stable condition.
Law enforcement officers responded swiftly to the incident, arriving at the scene within two minutes of receiving the first emergency call. Despite their prompt arrival, the suspect had already fled the area. Authorities recovered a semi-automatic handgun and three magazines at the scene, with an AR-15-style rifle found at the suspect’s residence.
In a tragic turn of events, the suspect was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a residence in Shelby Township. The shooting, which left two young boys injured, marked another devastating instance of senseless violence that has become all too common in recent years.
Oakland County Executive Director Dave Coulter expressed his heartbreak over the incident, emphasizing the need for support and counseling services for those impacted by the shooting. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also conveyed her sorrow over the tragic events and assured that officials were closely monitoring the situation.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the shooting, Rochester Hills Mayor Brian Barnett reflected on the tragedy, describing the past 24 hours as a “nightmare.” The emotional toll of such violence was evident as he expressed disbelief at seeing his city associated with mass shootings, highlighting the urgent need for collective action to address gun violence.