OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Two 18-year-old men have been charged with assault with intent to murder in connection with a December shooting at an Oakland County apartment complex that left a 23-year-old man wounded.
Police have identified the suspects as Ricardo Johnson and Carmelo Buckles, both 18.
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The shooting
Officials said officers responded around 5 p.m. Dec. 26, 2025, to River’s Edge Apartments in Waterford Township on a report of a shooting.
When officers arrived, they found a 23-year-old resident suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest on the exterior steps of an apartment building.
Police said the victim told investigators he had been shot by a friend of his roommate.
He was treated at the scene before being transported to McLaren Oakland Hospital by the Waterford Regional Fire Department.
Police allege Johnson and Buckles acted together to force their way into the victim’s bedroom, where the shooting occurred.
Officials said the victim returned fire after being shot, striking Buckles in the hand.
Police said Buckles left DNA evidence at the scene before both suspects fled.
Arrests, charges
Officials said Buckles was located at a Detroit-area hospital the night of the shooting and taken into custody.
Police said Johnson was also found and interviewed by detectives later that night.
Officials said both were released while investigators awaited forensic testing and continued the investigation.
On April 7, 2026, the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office charged both men with assault with intent to murder, a felony punishable by up to life in prison, and felony firearm, which carries a mandatory two-year sentence to be served consecutively with any sentence imposed for the underlying felony.
Buckles was arrested on June 4 with assistance from the Detroit Police Department.
He was arraigned in 51st District Court, where his bond was set at $5 million cash or surety.
Johnson was arrested on July 8 with assistance from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Team.
He was also arraigned, and his bond was set at $5 million cash or surety.
Both defendants are scheduled to appear in 51st District Court on July 21 for a probable cause conference.