Michigan shooting spree ends with suspect Chad Hickman dead

Six people, including a suspect, were found dead Friday in Michigan, where an extensive search unfolded around two homes and a wooded area, according to police.

Law enforcement was responding to reports of a shooting at a home in Missaukee County, about 272 km northwest of Detroit, just before noon when they found three people dead and another in critical condition, Michigan State Police said in a statement. The wounded person was taken to a hospital.

The suspect, Chad Hickman, 39, fled before law enforcement arrived at the home, according to police.

As law enforcement conducted a large-scale search for him, they found a fourth person dead at another home, according to officials.

Police warned the public in a post on X that Hickman was armed and dangerous and told community members not to approach him.

Law enforcement later found Hickman's vehicle in a wooded area near Whitlock Lake, which led them to his body as well as another individual, who was also dead, according to police.

Law enforcement initially said they were investigating a shooting but have not released information on how each person died or whether they had any relation to one another.

"This situation is heartbreaking for the community and challenging for the investigators involved," Lt. Ashley Miller said in a statement. "We remain committed to conducting a thorough investigation and will provide updates as new information becomes available."

Police are investigating the shooting and have asked the public to avoid the area.

The names and ages of those killed are not being released until their families have been notified, according to police.