Auburn Hills Man Killed in Drive-By Shooting in Pontiac; Suspect Arrested Within Hours
PONTIAC, Mich. — June 13, 2025
A tragic drive-by shooting claimed the life of a 26-year-old Auburn Hills man Friday afternoon in Pontiac, sending shockwaves through the local community and prompting swift action by law enforcement.
According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred shortly after 4 p.m. near the intersection of Auburn Avenue and Russell Street. A witness at the scene told investigators that a gray vehicle drove past and an occupant opened fire, unleashing a hail of bullets before speeding off westbound toward Auburn Road.
When emergency medical responders arrived, they found the young victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds — including injuries to the wrist, torso, and back. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, but despite the efforts of doctors and trauma staff, the man succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities have not yet released the victim’s name, pending notification of his family. Friends and neighbors have described him as a hardworking and kind individual who had his whole life ahead of him.
The quick response and coordination between various divisions of the Sheriff’s Office played a crucial role in rapidly identifying a suspect. Utilizing witness descriptions and surveillance technology, deputies were able to track the suspect’s vehicle — a gray sedan — within a matter of hours.
The vehicle was located in West Bloomfield Township, near the intersection of Middlebelt and Long Lake roads. Deputies conducted a tactical traffic stop and arrested the driver, identified as a 32-year-old man from Pontiac. His name is being withheld pending formal charges.
At this time, investigators are working to determine the motive behind the shooting. They are examining whether the incident stemmed from a personal dispute, gang-related activity, or another form of targeted violence. The recovered vehicle has been taken in for forensic analysis, and detectives are processing potential ballistic evidence.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office commended the work of responding deputies and detectives who moved swiftly to bring a suspect into custody. “This was a violent and senseless act committed in broad daylight,” said a spokesperson. “Thanks to the quick work of our team and information from the community, we were able to locate and arrest the suspect before the day was out.”
As of now, the investigation remains active, and authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or has video footage or additional information to come forward. Those with tips are encouraged to contact the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office at 248-858-4950.
Community members have begun to gather and mourn the loss of another young life to gun violence, a familiar and painful reality in many cities. Local advocates and leaders are once again calling for proactive measures to address the root causes of these violent incidents, including increased mental health resources, youth outreach, and community policing efforts.
The fatal shooting marks another chapter in the ongoing battle against violence in Southeast Michigan. As the legal process moves forward, the community waits for justice while reflecting on the deeper societal issues that continue to cost lives.
This developing story will be updated as more details become available.
