PONTIAC, Mich. (TCN) — A 42-year-old man accused of shooting and injuring at least nine people at a family splash pad before turning the gun on himself allegedly believed the government was spying on him.
According to Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, on Saturday, June 15, shortly after 5 p.m., officials responded to a splash pad to a report of shots fired. In an update, Bouchard said there were at least nine victims, including an 8-year-old boy who is making “amazing progress” after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head.
According to the Detroit Free Press, the parents of two young daughters shielded their children from bullets and were shot at least seven times during the incident. The sheriff said multiple victims remain hospitalized, including three who belong to the same family.
The youngest victim is reportedly 4 years old, while the oldest is over 76.
The suspect, identified as Michael Nash, fled, and investigators processed the scene. According to Bouchard, Nash brought two firearms with him. He allegedly used one of them at the splash pad, firing at least 36 shots toward families.
Investigators responded to Nash’s home and reportedly located 11 firearms. While there, they found the suspect deceased from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Bouchard said he and officials suspect Nash suffered from mental health issues. Nash’s family members said Nash believed the government was watching him. He reportedly often made statements such as “Shut your phone off,” “We’re being watched,” and “They are listening to us.” He would also reportedly walk around the home with weapons. Despite his possible mental health issues, Bouchard said investigators have not yet established an official motive and are searching through multiple electronic devices found in the residence.
Authorities do not believe Nash knew the victims, and he does not have a criminal record.
In a statement, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said, “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.”
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald emphasized the impact the shooting had on the victims, stating, “Our focus should be on the victims, those who were shot and their families, the children and adults who were there, and first responders. They may not have had physical scars, but their experience and trauma are just as real.”