SALINE (WWJ) -- A murder investigation is now underway, according to police, following a deadly parking lot shooting that led to lockdowns in Saline on Thursday.
The Saline Police Department has identified the woman who was killed as 40-year-old Amber Jo Thomas of Lenawee County. A second person who was shot, a 67-year-old Saline-area man who described by police as a "casual acquaintance" of Thomas was last reported in stable condition at University of Michigan Hospital.
Officials said Thomas, an employee of Linden Square Assisted Living Center, was walking out to her car at around 11:30 a.m. with her acquaintance, just prior to the shooting. She was parked in an adjacent lot, outside a vacant UAW hall, as the Detroit Free Press reports the assisted living center was hosting a car show in its parking lot that day.
According to Saline Police Chief Marlene Radzik, Thomas was approached by her 58-year-old boyfriend while in the parking lot. The chief said the armed suspect opened fire, shooting both his ex-girlfriend and a man who was walking with her.
Both victims were rushed to the hospital while the gunman jumped into a tan-Ford Focus and fled the scene.
City and school facilities, including a middle school close by, went on a temporary lockdown in response to what was reported as an active shooter situation.
A short distance away, the suspect vehicle crashed head-on into another car. and law enforcement descended on the crash scene.
Radzik said the suspect "refused to comply" with commands given by Washington County Sheriff's deputies and he was tased before being taken into custody.
While the suspect was not hurt in the crash, police said the driver of the other car involved was taken by EMS to a hospital. The injuries suffered by the 38-year-old Jackson County woman were not believed to be life-threatening.
Police said a homicide investigation is ongoing, and that the findings will be forwarded to the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office for a decision on charges.
"On behalf of the Saline Police Department, we would like to extend our gratitude to the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office, Pittsfield Township Police Department, Ann Arbor Police Department, Michigan State Police, University of Michigan Department of Public Safety, Saline Area Fire Department, Huron Valley Ambulance, ATF and the FBI for their support and continued assistance in this investigation," the Saline PD added, in a news release.
Following the announcement of her death, loving words about Thomas have flooded social media.
Sara Mcquistion wrote on the Saline PD Facebook page: "Ohhh my heart is breaking for Amber. She was such a kind, hardworking, loving mother and huge sweetheart. Amber we love you and miss you."
Angela Marie commented: "Absolutely so sorry for everyone's loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to all who knew her... She's such a beautiful woman and the most compassionate."
Officials at Linden Square announced a vigil in memory Thomas, planned for Monday, August 7, at 2 p.m.
"We are deeply saddened by the event that occurred yesterday, resulting in injuries, and ultimately the loss of a valued staff member at Linden Square," the nursing home said, in a statement.
"Over the course of her time at Linden Square, Amber Thomas was a dedicated employee. She always put the residents first, and many of her co-workers looked to her as a mentor. Our hearts go out to her family, our residents, staff, and community. Linden Square and Heritage Property Management are grateful for the outpouring of support from the community as we navigate this difficult time. Heritage has management staff and grief counselors available on site to help those impacted by this event."
The alleged gunman's name is being withheld pending an arraignment.
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