Gunman Injures Nine at Detroit Suburb Splash Pad, Dies by Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound

A gunman opened fire at a splash pad in the Detroit suburb of Rochester Hills, injuring nine individuals, including two young children and their mother. The incident took place at the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad where families were gathered to escape the summer heat. Law enforcement tracked down the suspect to a nearby home, where he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, stated authorities.

Among the injured, an 8-year-old boy was critically wounded in the head, while his mother sustained critical injuries to the abdomen and leg. Additionally, his 4-year-old brother was in stable condition with a leg wound. The other six victims, all aged 30 or older, were reported to be in stable condition, including a husband-and-wife couple and a 78-year-old man, as per Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard.

The shooting occurred at around 5 p.m. at a city park featuring a recreation area with water sprays and fountains for play. The attack seemed random, with the gunman driving up to the park, walking to the splash pad, and firing around 28 shots, reloading multiple times during the spree. Witnesses mentioned the shooter may have used two handguns during the incident.

The chaotic scene saw people falling, getting hit, and attempting to run as the shooter calmly walked back to his car after firing at the crowd. Law enforcement responded promptly to the 911 call, with an officer arriving within two minutes. Upon arrival, deputies provided immediate first aid with tourniquets and identified a likely address associated with the suspect.

Deputies surrounded the home and tried to establish contact with the suspect without success. A drone was deployed inside the house, revealing the suspect’s lifeless body with another weapon nearby. Bouchard noted the quick apprehension may have prevented further violence, displaying a photo of a semiautomatic rifle found in the house.

The suspect, a 42-year-old white male, did not reside in Rochester Hills, and investigators are yet to ascertain his motive for the attack. The gunman’s identity has not been disclosed, and officials are working to understand the reasons behind his actions.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her sorrow at the tragic event and assured coordination with local authorities in responding to the incident. The Rochester Hills shooting comes as another grim episode following past instances of violence in the region.