A police sketch of the suspected gunman still at large in Wixom. / Wixom Police Department
WIXOM, Mich. (Tammy Stables Battaglia & L.L. Brasier, Detroit Free Press) - Recess will take place inside locked schools in Wixom today as police continue to search for a man randomly shooting at motorists and area residents.
At least 15 people reported being shot at on Tuesday and Wednesday across Oakland, Livingston and Ingham counties, including a man who was taking out his trash in Wixom.
Walled Lake Consolidated Schools spokeswoman Judy Evola said today that five schools in Wixom are in "shelter in place" mode, meaning doors are locked, recess takes place inside and police are in the area. The measures will remain in place today at Western High School, Banks Middle School, Loon Lake Elementary, Wixom Elementary and Twin Sun Preschool, she said.
No reports of shots being fired were made fired since Wednesday, a dispatcher from the Wixom Police Department said Sunday.
"It's a precaution," Evola said. "They have not apprehended the person who is doing these random shootings. And we don't want to have students outside if there's even a chance of that happening."
School officials are unsure how long the measures may last.
"We don't know at this point," Evola said. "We just want to ensure that our students are safe. We're working collaboratively with local law enforcement officials."
Investigators on Sunday released a sketch of the suspect, created from a description by a witness to a Tuesday shooting. The suspect is thought to be driving a dark car resembling either a 1998 Oldsmobile Alero or a 1998 Toyota Camry.
A police task force of several agencies beefed up patrols along I-96 over the weekend where many of the shootings occurred. Anyone with information is asked to call 800-773-2587.