ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. (WXYZ) — In the wake of a mass shooting at a Rochester Hills splash pad on Saturday, where nine people were injured, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard emphasized the urgent need for increased mental health resources within his department.
During a Monday press conference, Bouchard indicated that the shooter exhibited signs of paranoia, believing the government was spying on him, and had 12 weapons at his residence.
“I’ve been asking for mental health resources for the community. We’re responding to mental health calls almost daily,” Bouchard stated.
Currently, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office has only one mental health co-responder from the Oakland County Health Network. This individual works alongside a deputy in Pontiac to address mental health-related incidents. Bouchard stressed the necessity of expanding this support to prevent future tragedies.
“Law enforcement agencies and public safety need more mental health peer-to-peer help in their agencies,” he asserted.
Bouchard suggested that mental health issues may have contributed to the Saturday shooting, citing the shooter’s delusions about government surveillance.
The Sheriff’s remarks underscore the critical need for enhanced mental health support and resources to assist law enforcement in effectively managing and preventing incidents stemming from mental health crises.
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