A series of shootings in Missaukee County, Michigan, resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including the suspected gunman, authorities reported Friday. The fatalities were discovered following an extensive search that spanned two homes and a wooded area.
Michigan State Police were dispatched to a residence in Missaukee County, approximately 170 miles northwest of Detroit, shortly before noon. Upon arrival, officers found three people deceased and one person in critical condition. The injured individual was transported to a local hospital.
Police identified the suspect as Chad Hickman, 39, who had fled the initial scene before law enforcement arrived. As officers expanded their search, they located a fourth deceased person at a separate residence.
In a social media post, police alerted the public that Hickman was considered armed and dangerous, urging community members to avoid any direct contact.
Authorities later found Hickman's vehicle in a wooded area near Whitlock Lake. A further search in the vicinity led to the discovery of Hickman's body and that of an additional deceased individual.
"This situation is heartbreaking for the community and challenging for the investigators involved," Lt. Ashley Miller stated. She confirmed that investigators were working through the night to process the multiple crime scenes.
Police requested that residents avoid the areas where the shootings occurred. The identities and ages of the victims were not immediately released pending notification of their families.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer stated she had been briefed on the incident and was closely monitoring the situation. "My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the Missaukee community," she said.