Task force increases patrols in shooter area, reassures Michigan State football fans roadway to game is safe

Police hope to ease fears, hysteria over Michigan roadway shooter with increased patrols

INGHAM COUNTY, Mich. – A law enforcement task force investigating the roadway shooter said Thursday they will increase patrols in southeast Michigan to ease fear and hysteria surrounding the shootings.

Police said they have more than 100 full-time investigators working to find the suspect who is responsible for firing shots at cars or people in Oakland, Ingham, Livingston and Shiawassee counties.  Since Oct. 16, 24 incidents have occurred. 

Ingham County Sheriff Gene Wriggelsworth described the area under watch as a "100-mile crime scene."

Uncut: Roadway shootings task force update.

Officials reassured Michigan State football fans traveling to Saturday's game against Nebraska that they will see patrol cars along every turn around on Interstate 96.

Read more: School buses avoid I-96 amid search for roadway shooter

"I drive this route everyday. I think the guy is nuts," said Mark Vallincourt, an I-96 driver. "He's crazy. Somebody's got to do something."

Wriggelsworth reminded drivers they are more likely to get in an accident than to get shot on the highway.   

"We want to reassure drivers that it's safe to drive out there," he said. "As I said in the past, you're more likely to get in an accident than getting shot at."

Tips to 800-SPEAK-UP continue to pour in and police say they are hunting down all leads.

"If it's me seeing him I'd be running him off the road," said Vallincourt.


-- Driver should expect to see more Michigan State Police vehicles patrolling Interstate 96 as they continue to search for the suspected gunman.