KALAMAZOO, Mich. — As the 10-year anniversary of a mass shooting unfolds, the scars from a horrific crime still linger in the community. On the evening of February 20, 2016, Uber driver Jason Dalton opened fire across multiple locations in Kalamazoo County, killing six people and injuring two others. The aftermath of that night — marked by fear, confusion, and unimaginable loss — continues to resonate with those who were affected.
Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller refuses to speak the name of the shooter, preferring to focus on the victims and the profound impact of the tragedy. The memories of that night remain fresh for many, including Fuller, who described the haunting toll it has taken on both law enforcement and the broader community. “This is never out of my mind,” he stated, reflecting on the enduring effects of the massacre.
Dalton, then 45, committed the shootings over the course of just a few hours, targeting individuals he did not know and who were not his passengers. Each shooting location represented a stark reminder of the violence that erupted unexpectedly, leaving families shattered and communities in mourning.
Motivations behind Dalton’s actions remain a mystery. He claimed that his Uber app took control of his vehicle and his behavior during the attacks. Ultimately, he pleaded guilty to all charges, avoiding a trial that would have subjected the victims’ families to additional trauma. He now serves a life sentence without the possibility of parole at Oaks Correctional Facility in Manistee.
The chaos began at approximately 5:42 p.m., when Dalton drove up to Tiana Carruthers, who was with several children leaving a playground. After asking if she made a ride request, he opened fire, striking her multiple times. Carruthers survived, later recounting her instinct to shield the children she was escorting from harm.
Nearby, Fuller recalled the harrowing scene. “These things don’t happen like this,” he remarked about the tragic events that unfolded. Carruthers, however, downplayed her actions, stating she was simply doing what any mother would in such a perilous situation.
Earlier that evening, Dalton had already raised alarms among law enforcement. An Uber passenger reported erratic driving, which included a collision with another vehicle. Despite these warnings, Dalton managed to evade capture and continued his deadly spree that evening.
His second shooting occurred just minutes later at a local car dealership, where he ambushed a father and son — Richard Smith, 53, and Tyler Smith, 17 — resulting in their deaths. Witnesses described the horror as they tried to comprehend the violence unfolding in their community.
The final attack occurred at a Cracker Barrel restaurant, where Dalton killed four more individuals in rapid succession. This wave of violence forced local law enforcement to coordinate their response across multiple jurisdictions, as officers scrambled to track down the suspect.
In the days following the shootings, hundreds attended memorial services to honor the victims, providing the community an opportunity to grieve together. The emotional toll of that night persists, with families struggling to cope with their losses.
As the anniversary approaches, Fuller and many community members reflect on the impact the tragic events have had on their lives. “In the 10 years since, I can’t think of a time I’ve gone by a dealership or attended something downtown where this is not in my head,” Fuller admitted, illustrating how deeply the incident has etched itself into the psyche of Kalamazoo.
As this somber milestone arrives, the community continues to grapple with the aftermath, striving to find solace amid the lingering sorrow.