(Rightallegiance.com) – At the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad in Rochester Hills this past Saturday, families enjoying a sunny day were shattered by an unexpected burst of violence. The suspect, now identified as Michael William Nash, 42, unleashed a torrent of gunfire, striking fear into the heart of the community. According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, Nash fired 28 rounds indiscriminately, targeting families and children alike.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard provided grim details about the aftermath: “Nine people were injured, some critically.” Among the victims were an 8-year-old boy with a head wound in critical condition, a 4-year-old boy stable with a thigh wound, and a 39-year-old woman critically injured with wounds to her abdomen and leg. Tragically, these three victims were members of the same family. The oldest victim, a 78-year-old man, sustained injuries to the abdomen but was reported as stable.
Nash, described as a man who lived with his mother and had no prior criminal record, was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in a Shelby Township home, hours after the rampage. Bouchard noted the discovery of a 9mm Glock and three magazines at the scene of the shooting. Further chilling details emerged as investigators uncovered a semi-automatic rifle on the kitchen table inside Nash’s home, hinting at possible additional plans.
The motive behind Nash’s deadly spree remains elusive. Sheriff Bouchard emphasized that Nash had no known connection to his victims, characterizing the attack as “very random” and “bizarre.” The community was left reeling, with scenes of chaos and horror vividly described by eyewitnesses. “People were scrambling, falling, and getting hit by bullets as they tried to run,” recounted one witness, reflecting on the surreal scene where everyday items like ice cream cones and flip flops were stained with blood.
Law enforcement efforts intensified as authorities attempted to apprehend Nash, culminating in a standoff at the Shelby Township residence. “After several hours of containment and failed attempts to make contact, drones were deployed,” explained Bouchard. The drones’ surveillance eventually led to the grim discovery of Nash’s lifeless body, marking a tragic end to the day’s events.
The Rochester Hills community, known for its family-friendly atmosphere, now faces a long road to healing. Sheriff Bouchard expressed condolences to the victims and their families, pledging full support to bring closure to the devastated community. As investigations continue into Nash’s background and possible motives, residents and authorities alike seek answers in the wake of this senseless act of violence.