Michigan shooting spree leaves 6 dead, including suspected gunman

MISSAUKEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN: A shooting spree in Northern Michigan has left six people dead, including suspected gunman Chad Hickman, while another person remains critically injured.

Michigan State Police were called to a home on LaChance Road in Lake Township around 11:40 am Friday, August 14, after a 13-year-old girl reportedly told authorities she had been shot in the arm. When troopers arrived, they found three people dead and another person critically injured.

The injured victim was rushed to a local hospital as police began a large-scale manhunt for Hickman, 39, who was considered armed and dangerous and was believed to be driving a white pickup truck.

Michigan police launch frantic manhunt for Chad Hickman

As the search continued, investigators searched another location and found the body of a fourth victim inside a separate home.

Police later located Hickman's abandoned vehicle near a wooded area close to Whitlock Lake. A K9 team was brought in to search the area.

Investigators then discovered Hickman's body along with another deceased victim, bringing the total number of deaths to six.

Authorities have not released the identities of the victims. Their relationships to Hickman also remain unclear, while investigators continue working to determine what led to the deadly shooting spree.

Despite the large-scale manhunt, authorities have said there is no longer a threat to the public. Michigan State Police are asking people to avoid the area while the investigation continues.

Michigan State Police describe devastating loss

Michigan State Police Public Information Officer Ashley Miller said the tragedy has been difficult for both investigators and the community.

"Not only is this difficult for our investigators and our troopers, but it's very hard for this community. You know, this type of loss is tragic," Miller told Up North Live.

She said troopers would conduct a thorough investigation and keep the community updated as authorities learn more about what happened.

"We're going to conduct a thorough investigation, and we want to make sure to keep our community members up to date on our current situation and what we're discovering throughout this process," Miller said.

Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan officials react

The deadly shooting also prompted reactions from Michigan officials as authorities continued piecing together the events.

State Rep Ken Borton offered condolences to the families affected by the violence.

"Please join me in praying for our Northern Michigan community tonight after the unspeakable acts of violence we saw unfold today," Borton wrote.

He also asked people to pray for the six families who lost loved ones and for the additional victim who is fighting for their life.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said she was "devastated" by the shooting.

"As we await more details, my prayers are with the family and loved ones of the victims and the entire Northern Michigan community," Benson said.

Michigan Gov Gretchen Whitmer also said she had been briefed on the shooting and was monitoring the situation.

"My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the Missaukee community," Whitmer said.