Gunfire at Stony Creek Metropark sparks arrests, officials say

Gunfire Wednesday at Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township led to multiple arrests, officials said.

One gunshot was fired inside the parking lot near the property's Eastwood Beach, the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority said in a statement.

Metroparks police monitoring the large crowds due to the high heat immediately responded to the scene, and three suspects were taken into custody, according to the release. 

"Thanks to the quick actions of police, no visitors or staff were injured during the incident," park officials wrote. Fox 2 reported a fight in the parking lot sparked the shooting.

A teenager who admitted to firing the weapon was later released to their parents, officials said in an update Thursday.

“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," Metroparks Director Amy McMillan said. "Their response prevented the situation from escalating differently, and that’s the type of practice that keeps our parks safe every day.” 

In their update Thursday, parks officials said "visitors are required to comply with park rules, which include prohibiting any bow and arrow, slingshot, pellet gun, air rifle, fireworks, explosives, or other dangerous substances within the boundaries of any park, but the Metroparks are prohibited by state law... from regulating the possession and carry of firearms in the parks."

Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and Eastwood Beach is slated to remain closed through Friday, officials said.

Covering 4,435 acres, Stony Creek is among 13 in the Metroparks system. The parks welcome as many as seven million visitors each year.