Auburn Hills Man Fatally Shot in Pontiac Drive-By—Swift Police Response Leads to Arrest Within Hours

PONTIAC, Mich. — June 13, 2025
An afternoon marked by sudden violence left one young man dead and a community shaken as a drive-by shooting erupted near the intersection of Auburn Avenue and Russell Street in Pontiac. The 26-year-old man, a resident of Auburn Hills, tragically lost his life in the hail of gunfire. The fatal shooting occurred just after 4:00 p.m. on Friday and triggered an urgent manhunt that culminated in the arrest of a suspect within hours.

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office swiftly mobilized after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting shots fired in a residential area just blocks away from schools, businesses, and family homes. Authorities have confirmed that deputies responded in force, and after a rapid investigation involving eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage, and forensic analysis, a suspect was located and taken into custody late Friday evening.

Timeline of the Fatal Shooting

At approximately 4:08 p.m., residents in the vicinity of Auburn Avenue and Russell Street were jolted by the unmistakable sound of multiple gunshots. Calls flooded into the 911 emergency line as frightened residents ducked for cover or peered from windows. Witnesses described a gray vehicle speeding down Auburn Avenue, with an occupant in the passenger seat leaning out and firing repeatedly in the direction of a man standing on the sidewalk near a corner lot.

Emergency responders arrived within minutes to find the victim lying on the pavement with multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body and torso. Paramedics from STAR EMS and deputies from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office rendered immediate first aid and began emergency trauma procedures. Despite their efforts, the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Deputies secured the area and established a perimeter around the intersection, taping off several blocks and initiating a canvass of local homes and businesses for witnesses and surveillance footage.

Investigation Unfolds Quickly

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office did not delay in initiating an aggressive investigation. Within the hour, members of the Sheriff’s Forensic Lab arrived to photograph the scene, document bullet casings, and conduct a detailed forensic sweep of the area. Investigators collected multiple shell casings believed to be from a semi-automatic handgun, likely fired from the moving vehicle.

A key breakthrough came from a neighborhood security camera installed on a home facing Auburn Avenue. Footage captured a gray four-door sedan traveling at high speed westbound, with what appeared to be muzzle flashes coming from the passenger window. Investigators also spoke to several residents who witnessed the vehicle moments before and after the shooting, and a composite description of the suspect and vehicle was quickly compiled and distributed to patrol units.

In a stroke of good fortune aided by rapid coordination between law enforcement agencies, the suspect vehicle was spotted just before 7:00 p.m. less than four miles away, near the border of Waterford Township. Deputies initiated a high-risk stop with backup units and took a male suspect into custody without incident. The gray vehicle was impounded for forensic processing, and investigators recovered a firearm believed to have been used in the shooting.

Community Gripped by Shock and Sorrow

The violence struck a nerve in the Pontiac community, which has seen progress in reducing violent crime in recent years but remains vulnerable to isolated acts of gun violence. Families who live near the intersection described the afternoon as “terrifying” and “unreal.”

“I just heard the shots—five, six, maybe more—and hit the ground,” said one local resident who was walking her dog when the shots rang out. “Then I saw people running and someone yelling for help.”

Another neighbor, who declined to be identified, expressed sadness and frustration. “We’ve come a long way as a neighborhood, but every time something like this happens, it makes you feel like all that progress can be undone in an instant.”

The victim was reportedly well-known to residents in the community, described by some as a frequent visitor or possibly having family nearby. His death has left a void among those who knew him, even briefly.

Sheriff’s Office Commends Swift Cooperation and Urges Calm

During a Friday night press briefing, a spokesperson for the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the arrest and praised the speed and coordination of all responding units, forensic experts, and area residents who came forward with valuable information.

“This was a senseless act of violence that took the life of a young man far too soon,” said the Sheriff’s spokesperson. “But thanks to immediate community cooperation and swift police work, we were able to make an arrest before the day ended. Our investigation is ongoing, and we remain committed to uncovering all circumstances leading up to this tragedy.”

While details regarding a motive have not yet been released, investigators are exploring all possible angles, including whether the shooting was targeted, retaliatory, or gang-related. Officials have not yet disclosed whether the suspect and victim knew each other or had prior conflicts.

Gun Violence in Pontiac: A Recurring Concern

This incident is the latest in a series of gun-related fatalities and injuries that have troubled parts of Oakland County in recent years. Though overall crime statistics in Pontiac have shown gradual improvement, isolated incidents of gun violence continue to pose serious risks to public safety.

In 2024, Oakland County recorded over 20 shooting-related homicides, with a notable percentage involving young men between the ages of 18 and 30. Law enforcement officials have often cited a combination of factors—economic hardship, unresolved interpersonal conflicts, and access to illegal firearms—as contributing causes.

Community leaders and local officials have renewed calls for increased investment in violence prevention programs, youth engagement initiatives, and expanded mental health services. “We need to treat gun violence as the public health crisis it is,” said a city councilmember who visited the scene Friday evening.

Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings

As of Saturday morning, the suspect remains in custody at the Oakland County Jail. Formal charges are expected to be announced in the coming days, potentially including first-degree murder, unlawful use of a firearm, and weapons possession by a prohibited person—pending confirmation of prior criminal history.

Authorities are also working to determine if others were involved or if the arrested individual acted alone. Investigators are sifting through call records, digital communications, and social media activity to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.

The gray sedan is undergoing forensic examination for DNA, fingerprints, and gunshot residue. Ballistics testing will be conducted to confirm whether the recovered firearm matches shell casings found at the scene.

A preliminary hearing is expected early next week, where the suspect will be formally arraigned. Prosecutors have not yet stated whether they will pursue additional enhancements based on possible gang ties, if any are discovered during the investigation.

Victim Services and Public Safety Reminder

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office has extended its victim services program to the family of the deceased, providing grief counseling, assistance with funeral arrangements, and access to legal resources. Advocates remain in close contact with loved ones as they navigate the early stages of mourning and justice-seeking.

Public safety officials have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior or threats of violence, even if they appear minor. “We rely on the eyes and ears of the community to prevent acts like this,” said the Sheriff’s spokesperson. “There is no tip too small.”

In response to the shooting, there will be increased patrol presence in the Auburn Avenue and Russell Street corridors throughout the weekend. Community resource officers will also be available to speak with residents about safety concerns and offer support.

Community Vigil and Calls for Healing

Local community groups have begun organizing a candlelight vigil at the site of the shooting, tentatively planned for Sunday evening. The vigil will honor the victim’s life and serve as a space for collective mourning, prayer, and reflection. Organizers have called on participants to wear white in a symbol of peace and unity.

Faith leaders from nearby churches are expected to participate, delivering messages of hope and resilience. A growing number of residents have expressed interest in forming a community response coalition to address gun violence through proactive, grassroots-led initiatives.

“This can’t be just another name, another statistic,” said one organizer. “If we want safer streets and a stronger community, we all have to show up, speak up, and protect one another.”

Conclusion: A Life Lost, A City Shaken

The tragic drive-by shooting that ended a young man’s life in broad daylight on a Friday afternoon has left a deep scar on Pontiac and renewed urgent conversations about violence, accountability, and justice. While the swift arrest of a suspect offers a measure of relief, it does not erase the profound loss felt by the victim’s family, friends, and the wider community.

As the investigation continues and court proceedings unfold, Pontiac stands at a crossroads—mourning what was lost, confronting what caused it, and striving to build a future in which such tragedies no longer occur.