Police And Residents React To I-96 Corridor Shootings

PONTIAC (WWJ) - The number of random shootings in four counties, including Oakland and Livingston, continue to rise and police are working diligently to catch the suspect behind the 22 incidents. Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard says someone shot at people and cars over a 48-hour period last week.

Bouchard spoke with WWJ's Rob Mason and has this advice for the public:

"Don't change your life, be vigilant like we always do, notice your surroundings and be aware of whats going on around you. If you see something, say something, we'd rather check out 10 things that really don't have any connection and in the end turn out not to be suspicious rather than miss one real thing," said Bouchard.

But the shootings have left some Wixom residents living in fear.

Steve Frankewitz lives in the neighborhood where one of the shootings occurred and spoke with WWJ's Sandra McNeill.

"The actual shooting, the gentleman that was taking out his garbage, is one street away from mine ... It's a scary thing, I go out to mow my lawn (and) every time I hear a car coming I'm looking behind me," said Frankewitz.

He said his neighborhood used to be filled with people out walking at night but now the sidewalks are pretty empty.

"I never thought I'd be looking behind me when I'm cutting my grass, and I found myself doing that yesterday," said Frankewitz.

Frankewitz has altered some of his activities since the shootings. Like putting both cars in the garage instead of leaving one out and not sitting outside at night.

He frustrated by what he calls a vague description of both the suspect involved and the car he may be driving.

Some area businesses have said they seen a drop-off in business since the shootings and feel it's related.

"People have not told me it's because of the shootings but business has dropped off ... we just assume," said employee of 10 Perfect Nails.

Business is also slow down the street at Salon Universal but Chrystle Jacoba is more pragmatic, "I've got a number and if it's up, it's up, so I do what I've got to do."

CATCH UP ON THE RELATED STORY, HERE.