Michigan police: 'Strong suspect' in custody after 6 killed in apparently random shootings


At least six people died in Michigan late Saturday night in what appeared to be random shootings at the hands of a single shooter.

By early Sunday morning, state police said they had a "strong suspect" in custody. The man, who was described to WOOD as a 45-year-old white man from Kalamazoo, was stopped by authorities while driving a black Chevrolet HHR. Earlier authorities said they were searching for a white man in his 50s who was driving a dark blue Chevrolet HHR.

During a press briefing, Michigan State Police Lt. David Hinz said the suspect was being questioned at the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. Officers stopped the suspect in Kalamazoo around 12:40 a.m. and apprehended him without incident.

"We believe this situation has been resolved at this point," Hinz said.

At least three people were injured in the shootings, according to The Associated Press. One found injured later died, WWMT reported.

The shootings took place in parking lots in at least three separate locations, according to Michigan State Police, who assisted in the search for the shooter: a Cracker Barrel restaurant off Interstate 94, the Seelye Kia of Kalamazoo and Meadows Townhomes in Kalamazoo.

“We've had several shootings here tonight. ... They all appear to be related,” Kalamazoo County Undersheriff Paul Matyas told WOOD. “In summary, what it looks like is we have somebody just driving around, finding people and shooting them dead in their tracks.”

The killings claimed the lives of four people at the Cracker Barrel and two others at the Kia dealership, state police and Kalamazoo County sheriff's deputies said.

A father and son died at the Kia dealership, WOOD reported.

Through its recruitment Facebook page, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety described the assailant as a white male in his 50s. He was linked to a Chevrolet HHR with chrome wheels and mirrors. Authorities said it may be slightly damaged.