(WWJ) An 80-year-old woman is in critical condition after she was shot in the face while sitting in a car in Pontiac.
The incident happened just after 5 p.m. Sunday, in the 100 block of S. Marshall near Whittemore.
The Oakland County Sheriff's Office said the victim had been visiting a friend in the neighborhood, and was sitting in her white Ford Fusion for about half-an hour, waiting for a jumpstart, when gunfire rang out.
Miraculously, the woman was responsive and able to speak with deputies when they arrived, placed her in a patrol car, and rushed her to an area hospital.
According to the woman’s family, doctors were waiting for swelling to subside on her eye before performing surgery to remove bullet fragments.
“She is in critical condition just because of her age, but she may very well recover from this," Oakland County Undersheriff Mike McCabe told WWJ. "She’s a tough lady and we’re pulling for her and the fact that she’s conscious and talking, obviously, is a good sign.”
Back at the scene, deputies found the Fusion's windshield had been damaged and multiple 9 mm shell casings were found in the road, according to the sheriff's office.
One of two passengers in the car, who were not injured, told investigators he
saw a gunman shooting what appeared to be an AK-47 out the rear driver’s side window.
Oakland County Undersheriff Mike McCabe tells WWJ authorities believe the suspect's vehicle was a black or dark-colored Jeep Grand Cherokee, possibly with a silver top.
It's not clear who was the target. A motive for the shooting is unknown, and no suspects have yet been identified as the investigation continues.
Detectives are now reviewing residential cameras for possible information about the shooter, the sheriff's office said, and they're seeking tips from public.
Meanwhile, Sheriff Michael Bouchard has had enough of all the gun violence in Pontiac.
“These back-and-forth drive-by type shootings must stop,” Bouchard said. “The only way we will stop them is with community involvement that identifies the individuals who are involved. The innocent victims in these neighborhoods deserve that support and justice.”
Anyone with information about the shooting, or the person or people responsible, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. A reward of up to $1,000 is offered for information leading to an arrest, and all callers will remain anonymous.
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