The Ingham County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to stay alert and take precautions while walking through parking lots and parking garages, especially when alone, following a violent carjacking and shooting in Oakland County.
The warning comes after a woman in her 40s was seriously wounded Tuesday evening (May 19) during a random carjacking outside Baldwin Commons Plaza in Orion Township.
Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said investigators believe the suspect had been waiting in the parking lot, looking for a victim, before approaching the woman as she walked with her young son.
Deputies later tracked the vehicle using Flock camera technology and arrested the suspect after a chase and foot pursuit in Groveland Township.
The woman underwent surgery after suffering a gunshot wound near her hip.
Her young son witnessed the attack and ran into a nearby store for help, Bouchard said.
Sheriff’s office urges awareness
In response, the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office urged people to remain aware of their surroundings when using parking lots and garages.
“Parking lot criminals are usually opportunists who look for the easiest person to victimize,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Deputies recommend taking a few moments to observe the area before leaving or returning to a vehicle and avoiding distractions while walking alone.
Parking lot safety tips
The sheriff’s office shared the following safety tips:
- Check surroundings for suspicious people before exiting a building or vehicle.
- Walk confidently and briskly.
- Scan the area around your vehicle before approaching it.
- Keep keys in hand before reaching your car.
- Use the buddy system whenever possible, especially at night.
- Check the backseat before entering your vehicle.