A series of shootings took place in Michigan, prompting a large-scale response involving canine and aviation units, according to police
The suspect, identified as Chad Hickman, was found dead alongside another individual near Whitlock Lake in Caldwell Township
Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation and have called the situation heartbreaking for the community and investigators
Six people are dead, including a gunman, after a series of shootings in Michigan on Friday, Aug. 14.
The first incident occurred at approximately 11:40 a.m. local time on Friday, according to a preliminary timeline of events released by the Michigan State Police in a press release.
At that time, troopers responded to a report of a person who had been shot at a home on South LaChance Road in Lake Township.
Upon arriving, troopers located three deceased individuals, as well as one person in critical condition who was transported to a local hospital.
The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Chad Hickman, fled the scene before the troopers arrived, according to the press release.
This prompted what troopers called a "large-scale police response," which included support from the MSP Emergency Support Team, aviation and canine units.
As the search for Hickman continued, a fourth person was found deceased at a second, separate home in Missaukee County.
After Hickman's vehicle was found in a wooded area close to Whitlock Lake in Caldwell Township, the bodies of Hickman and another individual were located in the area.
"This situation is heartbreaking for the community and challenging for the investigators involved," Lt. Ashley Miller said in a press statement. "We remain committed to conducting a thorough investigation and will provide updates as new information becomes available."
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PEOPLE has reached out to the Michigan State Police for updates on the investigation.
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