Witness in roadway shootings found

BRIGHTON, Mich. (WOOD) - Authorities have identified the witness they were looking for in connection to a series of shootings along the I-96 corridor. The man contacted the task force Friday night to assist with the investigation.

There have been 24 reported shootings over the past few weeks. Only one person has actually been injured: A Delton man who was shot in the buttock region on Oct. 27 just after noon as he drove along eastbound I-96 near the Fowlerville exit.

Authorities from a multi-jurisdictional task force released surveillance photos of the individual and vehicle seen at the Brighton Mobil on Oct. 27. The task force made up of dozens of officers from various Michigan agencies as well as agents from the FBI and federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

Investigators are pursuing a number of leads and have received significant cooperation from the public.

Authorities continue to urge drivers to not change their routines, as only three of the 24 shootings have taken place on I-96. 10 of the incidents have been in Wixom alone. Still, Michigan State Police have stepped up patrols on I-96 across the state.

The suspect in the shootings, who remains at large, is described as a while male in his late 20s or early 30s, authorities say. One witness described him as "clean-shaven."  However, it is possible he may change his appearance. He may be driving a dark-colored 1998 Oldsmobile Alero or Toyota Camry. He is thought to be familiar with the areas where the shootings happened.

The release said people who know the suspect may not believe his is capable of committing these types of crimes and may not have a violent criminal history.

A $102,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction is being offered. Anyone with information is asked to call 1.800.SPEAK UP (773.2587) or 248.624.6114.

Dates and locations of reported shootings:

• Oct. 16, 2012, 7:05 p.m., W. Maple Road west of Benstein Road
• Oct. 16, 2012, 7:15 p.m., N. Wixom Road south of Loon Lake Road
• Oct. 16, 2012, 7:15 p.m., N. Wixom Road north of Hopkins Drive
• Oct. 16, 2012, 7:15 p.m., N. Wixom Road south of Charms Road
• Oct. 16, 2012, 7:15 p.m., N. Wixom Road north of Potter Road
• Oct. 17, 2012, 6:50 p.m., Benstein Road north of W. Maple Road
• Oct. 18, 2012, 2:15 p.m., N. Wixom Road south of Charms Road
• Oct. 18, 2012, 2:15 p.m., N. Wixom Road north of Potter Road
• Oct. 18, 2012, 2:15 p.m., N. Wixom Road north of W. Maple Road
• Oct. 18, 2012, 2:15 p.m., N. Wixom Road north of W. Maple Road
• Oct. 18, 2012, 2:15 p.m., S. Wixom Road south of Old Wixom Road
• Oct. 18, 2012, 2:15 p.m., S. Wixom Road south of Old Wixom Road
• Oct. 18, 2012, 2:40 p.m., WB I-96 west of mile marker 135
• Oct. 18, 2012, 6:30 p.m., M-52 north of W. Locke Road
• Oct. 18, 2012, 6:30 p.m., M-52 north of W. Locke Road
• Oct. 18, 2012, 6:30 p.m., M-52 near Haslett Road
• Oct. 18, 2012, 6:30 p.m., M-52 near Bell Oak Road
• Oct. 18, 2012, 6:30 p.m., M-52 north of Sherwood Road
• Oct. 18, 2012, 6:30 p.m., M-52 near Sherwood Road
• Oct. 18, 2012, 6:30 p.m., M-52 north of Grand River Avenue
• Oct. 18, 2012, 6:30 p.m., Grand River Avenue east of M-52
• Oct. 18, 2012, 6:30 p.m., M-52 (Stockbridge Road) south of Grand River Avenue
• Oct. 27, 2012, 11:50 a.m., EB I-96 in between M-52 (Stockbridge Road) and Fowlerville Road
• Oct. 27, 2012, 12:20 p.m., EB I-96 in between M-52 (Stockbridge Road) and Fowlerville Road