Everything we know about the Rochester Hills shooting

Community organizations in Rochester Hills are helping residents recover from the splash pad shooting over the weekend. Here’s what you need to know.

Nine people were injured—including two young children and their mother—after a shooter opened fire at a splash pad in Rochester Hills this past weekend. 

The shooting occurred on Saturday evening. Families were looking to beat the summer heat using the city park’s water recreation area, which features non-slip surfaces with water fountains and sprays for people to play in. 

Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said during a news conference that the attack appeared to be random. Bouchard said that the shooter drove up to the park, walked to the splash pad, and fired more than two dozen times. Amongst the chaos, he said that people were “falling, getting hit, trying to run” and that the gunman was “apparently in no rush. Just calmly walked back to his car.”

Police heard the 911 call reporting the shooting as it came in, and Bouchard said that, because the agency uses a service that simultaneously sends emergency calls to first responders, officers were at the scene within minutes to provide aid. 

Authorities found a handgun, three empty magazines, and at least 28 spent shell casings at the splash pad, according to the Associated Press. 

To find the suspect, investigators used the handgun’s registration to obtain the suspect’s likely address. When police arrived at the residence, they found a car matching the suspect’s vehicle and surrounded the home. Bouchard said that officers tried to contact the suspect inside, but did not receive a response. 

After sending a drone inside the home, police entered to find the suspect—who Bouchard only described as a 42-year-old man with no prior police contacts and no criminal history—had died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The suspect did not live in Rochester Hills, and investigators do not yet know why he went to the splash pad, according to Bouchard. Investigators plan to dig into the suspect’s electronic devices to piece together a motive.

“Saturday’s horrific shooting of nine people simply enjoying a summer day at a splash pad in Rochester Hills is another appalling display of senseless violence,” said Dave Coulter, Oakland County Executive, in a recent statement. He said that the county stands with the injured and their families.

“We will be with the victims, their families, and the community for as long as it takes.”

Free mental health services are available for the community in Oakland County

This week, in collaboration with Oakland County, Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) has opened a Family Assistance Center at the Rochester Hills Department of Public Services.

OCHN’s Critical Incident Stress Management team will be available from 4-8 p.m. Monday through Friday this week to help community members experiencing trauma related to the shooting. The services are free of charge and no appointment is necessary. Individuals unable to visit the Family Assistance Center may call the Oakland County Nurse on Call or the Michigan Crisis and Access Line to access mental health resources.

“My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and the Brooklands neighborhood. This tragic event has deeply affected us all, and our thoughts are with those still recovering in the hospital,” said Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett on Sunday.

“To those impacted, please prioritize your mental well-being and seek help if needed during this difficult time.”