Police: Incident reported on U.S. 23 near I-96 not believed to be shooting

By Amy Biolchini County, health and environment reporter

Posted on Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 12:44 p.m.

Michigan State Police Lt. Michael Shaw speaks to reporters at the Brighton post of the Michigan State Police. Police now believe something other than a bullet caused a hole in the window of a woman's car on U.S. 23 Monday morning.

Courtney Sacco | AnnArbor.com

Earlier article: Another I-96 freeway shooting reported Monday; state police investigating north of Ann Arbor

Michigan State Police now say an incident reported on U.S. 23 near Interstate 96 Monday morning is not believed to be a shooting. The report that something hit a car, putting a hole in the front-seat passenger window, had created fears that it was another in a string of I-96 corridor shootings reported this month.

But at a news conference outside the Michigan State Police Post in Brighton, Lt. Michael Shaw said investigators believe a projectile that was not a bullet made the hole. He stressed that police cannot confirm it is not a bullet but said it is likely not connected to the string of shootings.

Shaw said the woman who was driving the car called 911 when she realized there was a hole in her window. He said there were multiple 911 calls at the time of the incident, so he could not provide an exact time. But he said it was about 9 a.m.

Police arrested a man driving a dark-colored Chevrolet Cavalier on U.S. 23 near where the incident was reported. But that arrest was on an outstanding warrant for driving on a suspended license and was not related to the incident.

Police are investigating a total of 24 shootings on I-96 during October, according to the Detroit Free Press. Two shootings took place on Saturday, when one person was injured. That shooting took place near Fowlerville.

Police have released a sketch of a suspect in the series of shootings. A witness discribed the suspect’s vehicle as resembling a dark 1998 Oldsmobile Alero or a 1998 Toyota Camry.

During the press conference, about 12:40 p.m., Shaw said state police officers were still in the area where the incident was reported Monday morning.

Shaw asked people to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings but not to alter their routines because of the recent incidents. He said he's heard reports that some parents have pulled their children from school. He said there's no reason to do that.

He said a task force set up to investigate the shootings is working around the clock. Police are confident they will find the person responsible. Police have received 600 tips since Oct. 9. A reward of $12,000 has been offered for information resulting in the arrest of a suspect.

State police have increased trooper patrols on I-96. They have concentrated patrols in some areas but Shaw would not specify where. Police ask anyone who sees anything that may be related to the shootings to call 911.