Sheriff: At least 15 apparently random shootings in 3 counties - Fox 2 News Headlines

By Robin Schwartz
FOX 2 News Reporter

PONTIAC, Mich. -- Police are telling local drivers to be on alert.  There is a shooter who appears to be targeting cars.  There have been more than a dozen shootings in recent days in Wixom, Commerce Township and areas west along I-96.

"This, at first blush, looks like somebody that's randomly shooting at people in cars," said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard.  "Fortunately, no person has been hit, but there has been some very, very close calls."

Click on the second video in the player above to watch a portion of Bouchard's press conference.

The sheriff said police have now formed a task force to hunt down the shooter before someone is injured or killed.

In all, 15 to 16 shootings have taken place from 7:00 p.m. Tuesday to 6:40 p.m. Thursday.  Eight of those apparently random incidents happened in Wixom.  One man said he heard bullets whiz right past his head.

"The area basically runs from the Wixom-Commerce area and then travels west along 96 through Livingston and over into Ingham County," Bouchard explained.

The sheriff said right now it's not clear if there is one or more than one shooter.  It's also not clear what kind of weapon is being used, but several people have described a dark colored, four door Caviler or Mustang, and there have been some frightening close calls.

"For example, one specific incident, the round went through the door and lodged in the passenger door obviously with the driver in between those two doors.  Came within inches of striking that person," Bouchard said.

We're told one witness reported seeing a clean-shaven white man in his thirties.  Police are also checking surveillance cameras in the areas where the shootings have taken place with the hope of finding any leads.

"I would encourage anyone with any information that they have to contact us and to give us that information," said Wixom Public Safety Director Clarence Goodlein.

Tipsters are being asked to call 1-800-SPEAK-UP.  They can remain anonymous.