Six people, including the suspected gunman, are dead following a multi-scene shooting in rural Missaukee County, Michigan, according to local reports. Investigators found victims at a home in Richland Township, a second residence and a wooded area before locating the alleged gunman. Authorities identified the suspect as Chad Hickman, 39, and initially warned that he should be considered armed and dangerous. Police have not disclosed what led to the shootings or provided additional details about the victims.
| 1) | Initial discovery at a Richland Township home |
| 2) | Investigation expands across multiple locations |
| 3) | Search for the suspected gunman |
| 4) | Community response and police assurances |
| 5) | Unanswered questions in the investigation |
Initial discovery at a Richland Township home
Officers began investigating the incident Friday morning after finding three people dead and another person wounded at a home near LaChance Road and Kelly Road in Richland Township, according to local reports. Richland Township is in Missaukee County, a rural area of central Michigan. The initial discovery prompted a major police response and led authorities to examine whether other locations were connected to the violence.
The reported location of the first victims established the starting point for the investigation. Authorities have not publicly released the identities of those who died or the condition of the wounded person. Investigators are expected to document the scene, gather evidence and determine the sequence of events.
Investigation expands across multiple locations
The investigation later extended beyond the Richland Township home. A fourth person was reportedly found dead at another residence, while a fifth person was found in a wooded area. These discoveries produced a total of five reported victims before police located the suspected gunman.
The locations involved in the case include at least two homes and a wooded area. Police have not explained how the sites were connected or confirmed the specific circumstances surrounding each death. The multi-scene nature of the investigation means authorities must establish where and when each incident occurred while preserving evidence at separate locations.
Search for the suspected gunman
Earlier Friday, Michigan State Police announced that officers were investigating a shooting and searching for Chad Hickman, 39. Police warned the public that he should be considered armed and dangerous, indicating that authorities believed he might pose an immediate threat while the search was underway.
Authorities later said Hickman had been located. Local reports stated that he was found dead, bringing the reported death toll to six, including the suspected gunman. Police have not publicly described how he died, where he was found or whether officers exchanged gunfire with him.
Community response and police assurances
The shootings affected a rural community as investigators and troopers worked across several locations. A state police public information officer said the loss was difficult for both law enforcement and residents and described the incident as tragic.
“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,” the public information officer said.
The statement reflected the department’s intention to provide updates as investigators establish the facts. Officers’ immediate priorities included locating the suspect, securing the scenes and determining whether any continuing danger remained for people in the area.
Unanswered questions in the investigation
Police have not provided a motive, identified the victims or explained the relationship, if any, between the people involved. They also have not released details about the weapon, the reported wounded person or the precise timeline connecting the three locations.
Those questions will likely be addressed as detectives process evidence and interview witnesses. Until authorities release additional findings, details about the shootings remain based on preliminary law enforcement information and local reports. The investigation was continuing Friday.
| No. | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Six people, including the suspected gunman, were reported dead. |
| 2 | Victims were found at two residences and in a wooded area. |
| 3 | Police identified the alleged gunman as Chad Hickman, 39. |
| 4 | Authorities have not disclosed a motive or detailed the sequence of events. |
Summary
A multi-scene shooting in rural Missaukee County left six people dead, including the man police identified as the suspected gunman. Investigators found victims at multiple locations and continued working to establish the timeline, motive and circumstances of the violence. Authorities said they would provide further information as the investigation develops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the shootings occur?
Reported victims were found at a home near LaChance Road and Kelly Road in Richland Township, at a second residence and in a wooded area in Missaukee County, Michigan.
How many people died?
Six people were reported dead, including the suspected gunman. Police also reported that one person was wounded at the first scene.
Who was identified as the suspect?
Authorities identified Chad Hickman, 39, as the alleged gunman and initially warned that he should be considered armed and dangerous. He was later reported dead.
Has police released a motive?
No. Authorities have not released a motive, the victims’ identities or a detailed account of how the shootings unfolded.
