Witness ID sought for homicide case, $1,000 reward offered
As an investigation continues into a fatal shooting that happened last Thursday at a Pontiac liquor store, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in identifying a potential witness who was there at the time and could provide information to authorities.
The sheriff’s office on Tuesday released images of the person, captured by surveillance video from the Huron Liquor Shoppe, 140 E. Huron Street, when the shooting occurred shortly before 11 p.m. Oct. 22. Investigators are gathering evidence on whether or not a 26-year- old Pontiac man may have acted in self- defense when he fatally shot a 34-year- old man after being physically attacked.
Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward to anyone who can identify the potential witness. Anonymous tips can be made by calling 800- SPEAK-UP.
According to the sheriff’s office, the store’s security camera footage also shows the suspect was buy
ing merchandise when the victim walked in and began punching him repeatedly. The two then began to physically fight and leave the camera-view into one of the aisles. Customers can then be seen ducking and running away, possibly after hearing gunshots. The suspect then paid for his items and left the store.
Deputies and Star EMS responded to a report of a man shot to find the victim lying in a pool of blood with bullet wounds to the chest and pelvic area. He was transported to McLaren- Oakland Hospital where he died early Friday morning.
Soon after the shooting, the suspect’s mother called the Sheriff’s Operation Center to report that her son had come home and told her he had shot someone who had attacked him at the party store, the sheriff’s office said. Deputies went to the home in the 100 block of Vernon Drive and took him into custody.
The suspect has a valid license to carry a concealed pistol, the sheriff’s office said. Deputies took a firearm believed to have been used in the shooting as evidence.
Results of the investigation will be submitted to the Oakland County prosecutor who will determine if the shooting was justified as self- defense.
Citing an ongoing investigation, authorities haven’t released the names of the victim or suspect.