Gunman Opens Fire at Michigan Splash Park, Injuring Nine
A gunman opened fire at a splash park in Rochester Hills, Michigan on Saturday, leaving nine people injured, including two children, one of whom is in critical condition. The suspect, identified as Michael William Nash, 42, was later found dead in a nearby home, according to officials from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
The shooting took place at Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad, a popular play area for children fitted with water nozzles, in the Detroit suburb. Authorities were called to the scene just after 5 p.m. and described the incident as a random active shooter situation.
“It appears like the individual pulled up, exited a vehicle, approached the splash pad, opened fire, reloaded, opened fire, reloaded, left,” said Michael Bouchard, the Oakland County sheriff, at a news conference.
Among the injured were an 8-year-old boy who was shot in the head, a 39-year-old woman who was shot in the abdomen and leg, and a 4-year-old boy who was shot in the thigh. The 8-year-old boy and the woman are in critical condition, while the others are in stable condition.
Authorities recovered a Glock 9-millimeter handgun and three empty magazines at the scene, with the gunman firing up to 28 times. They were able to track the suspect to a home in nearby Shelby Township, where he was found dead. A semiautomatic rifle was found on the kitchen table, indicating the possibility of further violence.
The suspect was believed to have been living with his mother and was reportedly facing mental health challenges. Despite this, he had no prior contact with law enforcement.
Rochester Hills, with a population of about 76,000 people, is located approximately 25 miles north of Detroit. The community is now grappling with the aftermath of this tragic and senseless act of violence at a family-friendly park.