NOVI, Mich. – A shooting near the Michigan State Fair in Novi left one 14-year-old boy dead and another 14-year-old boy injured.
At 9:56 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, police officers stationed at the Michigan State Fair heard gunshots coming from a parking lot near Grand River Avenue, southwest of the Suburban Collection Showplace.
The shooting was initially reported as an active shooter, which caused several surrounding law enforcement agencies to respond. When officers got to the scene of the shooting, they realized that was not the case.
Two 14-year-old boys were shot. Both were transported to a hospital where one 14-year-old was pronounced dead. The other 14-year-old boy is in stable condition, according to police.
Police said the two boys took an Uber from Detroit to Farmington Hills and then another Uber from Farmington Hills to the Michigan State Fair with some friends. The shooting happened in the parking lot, nobody was shot inside the fair.
Unaccompanied minors are not allowed at the Michigan State Fair after 6 p.m.
Investigators believe the shooting stemmed from an argument throughout the week. It is believed to be an isolated incident with no threat to the public.
A suspect has not been identified.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Novi Police Department at 248-348-7100.
Michigan State Fair to open Sunday and Monday
The Michigan State Fair will remain open, but with altered hours.
The fair will open at 10 a.m. The box office and entry to the fair will close at 6 p.m. and the fairgrounds will be closed at 7 p.m.
Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.
“There was an incident that occurred last night outside the perimeter of the Michigan State Fair involving an isolated shooting resulting from an altercation. The entire Michigan State Fair family grieves for the loss of such a young life and for all those affected.
“The Michigan State Fair and community law enforcement partners are committed to the safety of the guests and participants. Safety is the top priority and the State Fair had increased safety measures in place including weapons detection systems and increased police presence onsite.
“After review of the incident with law enforcement officials, community leaders, and the Michigan State Fair operations team and Executive Committee, the Michigan State Fair will continue to operate with even further additional police presence and important adjustments to the closing hours and policies. The Michigan State Fair will be closing the Box Office and Entry at 6:00pm and closing down the Fairgrounds at 7:00pm on Sunday and Monday. For the remainder of the fair, any attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to enter.
“The Michigan State Fair is continuing this effort on behalf of the vital agricultural and livestock community and to honor and carry on the commitment to revive the great tradition of the Michigan State Fair.
“Those who desire a refund, who have not yet scanned their ticket, can contact the Michigan State Fair.”
Michigan State Fair, Sept. 1, 2024