WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A teen is dead, and another is injured after a homeowner in White Lake Township shot at them when they were allegedly trying to break into a garage.
A homeowner on Mandon Road reported that he received an alert from his surveillance system that seven people were breaking into his detached garage on July 8 at around 1 a.m.
Neighbors said it’s the third time the garage has been broken into within the past year.
When the homeowner confronted the group, they all ran away. Police said the homeowner shot at the group as they were running away, striking two teens.
“I heard six shots. Didn’t think anything of it because it could’ve been fireworks still or little firecrackers,” said neighbor Caden Coder.
A 17-year-old was taken to a hospital with a gunshot wound. The extent of their injuries is unclear.
Another 17-year-old was found dead on Halfpenny Court with a gunshot wound.
Lieutenant Matthew Ivory said in a press conference on Tuesday that all seven involved ranged from teens to young adults. Police were able to make two additional arrests following the shooting.
“You do have the right to protect your life, and I just hope that it doesn’t come to that. Obviously, we want to be a safe community. We ask that people stay safe,” Ivory said. “Obviously, as soon as you realize something is going on, the faster we know and the faster we can get there.”
Police said the decision on charges against the homeowner and the teens accused of breaking into a garage now rests with the prosecutor.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the White Lake Township Police Department at 248-698-4404.