Rochester Hills, Michigan – A devastating shooting at a splash pad park in Rochester Hills, Michigan, left nine people injured, including two children, after a 42-year-old gunman reportedly opened fire on Saturday afternoon. The suspect, identified as Michael William Nash, was later found dead from suicide, according to authorities. The shooting took place near the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad in Rochester Hills, a community about 25 miles north of Detroit.
The victims of the shooting ranged from 4 to 78 years old, with three individuals, including an 8-year-old boy, undergoing surgery on Saturday night. Oakland County Executive Director Dave Coulter updated the public at a news conference on Sunday, noting that the conditions of those who had surgery were still unknown. However, the remaining victims were reported to be in stable condition.
Initial reports from Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard suggested that the shooting appeared to be random. The suspect allegedly fired nearly 30 rounds at the splash pad area before leaving the scene. Despite quick response from law enforcement within 2 minutes of the first 911 call, the suspect had already fled. A semi-automatic handgun and three magazines were recovered at the scene, while an AR-15-style rifle was found at the suspect’s home.
Following the tragic incident, Nash was discovered at a residence in Shelby Township, where he was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The community of Rochester Hills was left in shock, with local officials offering counseling services through the Oakland County Health Network to anyone impacted by the shooting.
Expressing her condolences, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer acknowledged the heartbreaking event and stated that her office was monitoring the situation closely. Rochester Hills Mayor Brian Barnett also shared his sentiments during a news conference, reflecting on the tragedy and emphasizing the unprecedented nature of such violence in their community.
The shooting in Rochester Hills serves as another grim reminder of the prevalence of senseless violence in society, leaving residents and officials alike grappling with the aftermath of the tragic event. As the community mourns the victims and seeks to heal, the incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address and prevent further acts of violence in the future.