Gunfire reported at Eastwood Beach in Stony Creek Metropark

ROCHESTER/SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A teenager who admitted to firing a gunshot in the parking lot of a beach at Stony Creek Metropark June 15 has been released back to their parents.

On June 15, Huron-Clinton Metropark Police responded to an incident at Eastwood Beach in Stony Creek Metropark, which was crowded due to high heat. Metropark police were monitoring the crowds when they witnessed a crowd forming and a single shot fired from inside a vehicle.

Police responded immediately and recovered the weapon.

No visitors or staff were harmed during the incident, and three suspects were taken into custody. The teenager who admitted to firing the weapon was later released to their parents.

“We know we have a huge responsibility in public safety and trust, and incidents like this weigh heavily on all of us. I am extremely proud of our police officers for acting quickly and appropriately. Their response prevented the situation from escalating differently, and that’s the type of practice that keeps our parks safe every day,” Metroparks Director Amy McMillan said in a statement.

Questions have been brought up about the presence and allowance of weapons in the Metroparks.

All visitors are required to comply with park rules, which include prohibiting bows and arrows, slingshots, pellet guns, air rifles, fireworks, explosives, or other dangerous substances within the boundaries of any park, but the Metroparks are prohibited by state law MCL 123.1102 from regulating the possession and carry of firearms in the parks.

Metroparks Police Chief Michael Reese said he is thankful to visitors for the role they play in notifying police when issues are happening so that officers can quickly respond and resolve them.

“We know these types of situations can be alarming, and we are grateful that nobody was hurt,” Reese said in a statement. “We want to thank the Macomb County Sheriff’s Department and Shelby Township Police Department for their quick arrival and assistance in responding to last night’s incident.”

Authorities continue to investigate the incident.