Auburn Hills Man Killed in Drive-By Shooting in Pontiac; Suspect Arrested Within Hours

Auburn Hills Man Killed in Drive-By Shooting in Pontiac; Suspect Arrested Within Hours

PONTIAC, Mich. — A tragic act of gun violence has left the Pontiac community shaken after a 26-year-old Auburn Hills man was gunned down in a drive-by shooting Friday afternoon. The incident, which occurred in a residential area of Pontiac, has ignited grief, frustration, and calls for justice from residents and city officials alike.

According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting took place around 2:30 p.m. near the intersection of Columbia Avenue and Wilson Street. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots followed by the sound of a vehicle speeding away from the scene. When deputies arrived, they found the victim unresponsive, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Emergency medical personnel attempted life-saving measures, but the young man was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released his name publicly, pending full family notification, but confirmed he was a resident of Auburn Hills and well-known among peers for his kind nature and ambitions.

Swift Arrest Following Rapid Investigation

In a significant development, Oakland County investigators announced that a suspect was taken into custody within hours of the shooting. Surveillance footage, community tips, and prompt investigative work led detectives to identify a vehicle of interest, which was located late Friday evening.

The suspect, an adult male from Pontiac, was apprehended without incident and is currently being held at the Oakland County Jail. Charges are expected to be filed in the coming days, and authorities have indicated that more information about the motive may be released as the investigation progresses. Preliminary findings suggest the shooting was targeted, though officials have not ruled out the possibility of broader connections to ongoing disputes in the area.

Community in Mourning

News of the fatal shooting has left Pontiac residents reeling. Community leaders and residents gathered near the scene on Friday evening to mourn the loss and speak out against the rising tide of violence. Family members and friends of the victim have described him as hardworking, compassionate, and full of life—someone who didn’t deserve to fall victim to such senseless violence.

“This is a tragedy, and it’s one our community is tired of experiencing,” said a local pastor who attended the impromptu vigil. “We lost a young man today who had dreams, goals, and people who loved him. We must do better. We must come together to stop this violence.”

Call for Action

City officials and community advocates are calling for increased neighborhood safety measures, including more patrols and youth outreach programs. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard issued a statement praising the investigators for their quick work and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to holding violent offenders accountable.

“While nothing can bring this young man back, we hope the swift arrest in this case brings a measure of comfort to the grieving family and sends a clear message: violence will not go unchecked,” Bouchard said.

As Pontiac continues to grapple with the emotional aftermath of this heartbreaking loss, support is being extended to the victim’s family and friends. Local organizations have offered counseling services and are organizing memorial events in the coming days.

The investigation remains active, and authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the shooting to come forward.

In Loving Memory

Though the identity of the victim has not been officially released, those who knew him have already begun to share tributes online, expressing their heartbreak and disbelief. He is remembered as someone who loved deeply, worked hard, and brought light to those around him.

As the community mourns yet another life lost to gun violence, the hope remains that justice will be served and meaningful steps will be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

Rest in peace to a life taken too soon.