Tragedy in Pontiac: Auburn Hills Man Killed in Daylight Drive-By Shooting, Suspect Captured Within Hours
PONTIAC, Mich. — June 13, 2025 —
A devastating act of violence unfolded Friday afternoon in Pontiac when a 26-year-old man from Auburn Hills was fatally shot in a drive-by attack, shaking the local community and prompting a swift response from law enforcement. Within hours of the shooting, Oakland County deputies had a suspect in custody, bringing a measure of relief to a city that has grown weary of gun violence.
The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. near the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Bagley Avenue, a busy area where families live and children play. Witnesses reported hearing a rapid series of gunshots, followed by the sound of screeching tires as a vehicle fled the scene.
Responding deputies from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office found the victim critically wounded in the street. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel provided immediate care at the scene and transported him to McLaren Oakland Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities have not yet released the victim’s name pending notification of his family, but those close to him have described him as a kindhearted, hardworking individual with no ties to violence or criminal activity. Friends and neighbors are mourning the senseless loss, remembering him as someone who was trying to build a better life.
“He was respectful, stayed to himself, and didn’t deserve this,” said Marcus Riley, a local youth advocate who knew the victim personally. “He wasn’t in the streets — he was trying to do right.”
Sheriff Michael Bouchard confirmed late Friday that the suspected shooter — a 23-year-old man from Pontiac — was taken into custody within six hours of the shooting. The breakthrough came thanks to a combination of witness statements, video surveillance from nearby businesses, and data from license plate readers.
“Thanks to the dedication of our investigators and assistance from the public, we were able to locate and arrest a suspect before the end of the day,” Sheriff Bouchard said in a press briefing. “We believe this was not a random act, and we are pursuing all angles as we continue the investigation.”
The suspect was arrested without incident at a residence in Waterford Township and is currently being held at the Oakland County Jail as charges are being finalized. Authorities believe the shooting may have stemmed from a personal dispute, though the exact motive has not been publicly confirmed.
Back at the scene of the crime, residents gathered in shock and sorrow. Some lit candles and placed flowers at a growing memorial on the sidewalk. Others simply stood in silence, struggling to process the sudden loss.
Clarice Thompson, who lives just a few houses away from where the shooting occurred, said the sound of gunfire has become all too familiar. “It’s heartbreaking,” she said. “We’ve lost too many young people. This shouldn’t be normal. We shouldn’t have to live like this.”
Pontiac Mayor Deirdre Holloway issued a statement condemning the violence and pledging increased efforts to improve safety in the city. “We are working closely with law enforcement and community leaders to address the root causes of this violence,” she said. “We must come together — as neighbors, as leaders, as parents — to stop the bloodshed.”
As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge but grateful that an arrest was made so quickly. Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or has information to come forward.
“This young man had his entire future ahead of him,” Sheriff Bouchard said. “We won’t rest until every piece of this case is resolved and justice is delivered.”
The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office is expected to announce formal charges in the coming days.
If you have information related to this case, contact the Oakland County Sheriff’s tip line at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. Callers can remain anonymous.