Officials warn fundraiser scams Michigan splash pad shooting injured
Fundraiser scams Michigan splash pad shooting injured .
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Authorities are cautioning the public to be wary of potential fundraising scams in the wake of a shooting at a splash pad outside of Detroit that left nine people injured and the community in shock.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office has advised against donating to unverified fundraisers following the incident at Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad in Rochester Hills. The shooting, which occurred on Saturday, involved an active shooter situation that resulted in multiple injuries.
The suspected shooter reportedly fled the scene and later took his own life inside a residence.
City of Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan K. Barnett expressed his dismay over the incident, stating, “This is a horrible scene that has been repeated too many times across our country, unfortunately touching our city today,” in a post on Facebook.
Several victims, including an eight-year-old boy, sustained critical injuries and are receiving treatment in the hospital, according to the Detroit Free Press.
As of Sunday, all the victims remained hospitalized, as confirmed by the sheriff’s office.
Warning about fraudulent fundraisers
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning about fraudulent GoFundMe pages that have been created claiming to raise money for the shooting victims.
“The bottom feeders are already at it,” stated the sheriff’s office in a Facebook post. “We will investigate any fraud and encourage the public to avoid donating to anything or anyone in the name of victims unless you see it verified by the sheriff’s office as legitimate.”
One fraudulent GoFundMe page purported to raise funds for a victim, his pregnant wife, and children. However, the sheriff’s office clarified in a press release that neither the man nor his family were victims of the shooting. Despite this, the fundraiser managed to raise over $15,000 online.
Sheriff Bouchard urged potential donors to verify the legitimacy of fundraising efforts with the sheriff’s office before making any contributions.
Details of the incident
The shooting took place at the splash pad in Rochester Hills on Saturday evening, where the shooter fired 28 rounds at families enjoying the warm weather at the popular recreational spot.
The splash pad has been closed since the incident and will remain so until further notice, according to the city.
Victims of the shooting
Among the victims listed in critical condition by the Detroit Free Press are:
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An eight-year-old boy who suffered a gunshot wound to the head
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A 39-year-old woman who was shot in the abdomen and thigh
Additional victims included a four-year-old boy and a 78-year-old man who sustained injuries but were reported to be in stable condition.
Eric and Micayla Coughlin, a husband and wife from Rochester, were shot multiple times while shielding their young daughters from harm. A GoFundMe campaign created to assist the Coughlin family was verified by the sheriff’s office.
Other victims included a mother, her two sons, and the spouse of a city employee. The number of victims initially thought to be eight was later revised to nine after further investigation.
Identification of the suspect
The suspected shooter has been identified as 42-year-old Michael William Nash. Authorities revealed that Nash had no prior criminal record and was living with his mother. They also believe he may have been facing mental health challenges.
According to Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, the shooting appeared to be a random and bizarre act, as Nash had no known connection to the victims.
Nash was located at a residence in Shelby Township, where he took his own life as law enforcement attempted to make contact with him.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the shooting.
Support for the community
Rochester Hills has pledged to provide mental health resources to the victims and families affected by the tragedy. A Family Assistance Center has been opened at the Rochester Hills Department of Public Services, offering counseling services from Monday to Friday.
For those unable to visit the center, a helpline has been established for access to support services throughout the week.
Efforts are being made to connect affected individuals with the Michigan Crisis and Access Line for round-the-clock assistance.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michigan splash pad shooting: Police warn of fundraising scams
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Officials warn fundraiser scams Michigan splash pad shooting injured .
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