Ethan Cross, Sarah Wilkes, and Michael Harris; Bay City Police Investigating High-Speed Road Rage Shooting Incident in Bay City Area
BAY CITY, Mich. — A shocking and violent road rage incident on Monday evening escalated into a harrowing multi-victim shooting, leaving three individuals wounded in a chaotic, high-speed rolling gun battle between two vehicles. The confrontation, which began in the neighboring Saginaw County, reached a terrifying crescendo as the two vehicles sped into Bay City, engaging in gunfire at terrifying speeds.
The incident began shortly after 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025, when police in Bay City began receiving numerous 911 calls describing a harrowing scene of two vehicles speeding into the city limits, exchanging gunfire in what appeared to be an extreme and reckless act of road rage. At least three individuals—Ethan Cross, Sarah Wilkes, and Michael Harris—were injured during the violent clash. One of the vehicles, a white SUV, came to a stop in a McDonald’s parking lot on M-15 and 22nd Street, with multiple windows shattered by gunfire. Police arrived to find the SUV, riddled with bullet holes, alongside the three victims.
Timeline of Events
7:19 p.m. – 911 Calls Begin
Authorities first received reports at approximately 7:19 p.m. from multiple callers who witnessed the chaotic scene as it unfolded. The calls described a high-speed confrontation involving a white SUV and a black sedan, both traveling eastward at speeds exceeding 100 mph.
Witnesses stated that the two vehicles were seen exchanging gunfire while speeding down M-15, with some suggesting that automatic weapons were used, judging by the rapid rate of fire.
7:25 p.m. – Automatic Weapon Fire Confirmed
As the vehicles neared the city, the gunfire grew louder and more intense. Bay City Police officers, who were stationed along Broadway Avenue, confirmed hearing automatic weapon fire. The sound of rapid, sustained shots indicated that at least one of the vehicles was armed with an automatic firearm.
7:30 p.m. – Collision at McDonald’s Parking Lot
The vehicles continued to speed eastward on 22nd Street. The white SUV, heavily damaged and with its windows shattered, eventually came to a stop in the parking lot of the McDonald’s located at the intersection of M-15 and 22nd Street. It was here that police first arrived to find the three victims—Ethan Cross, Sarah Wilkes, and Michael Harris—injured but conscious, seeking shelter behind the vehicle and in the parking lot.
7:40 p.m. – Black Sedan Flees
As authorities began securing the scene and providing medical aid to the victims, the black sedan, also visibly damaged by gunfire, fled southbound on M-15. Police pursued the vehicle briefly, but it evaded capture. A description of the sedan was quickly broadcast, but as of this report, the vehicle remains at large, and no arrests have been made.
Victims Identified
The three victims, who were all rushed to the hospital for treatment, have been identified as Ethan Cross (34), Sarah Wilkes (29), and Michael Harris (41). Authorities have confirmed that all three were injured by gunfire, though their exact conditions have not been publicly disclosed at this time.
- Ethan Cross, a local mechanic, was reportedly in the front passenger seat of the white SUV when the gunfire erupted. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen and was described as being in critical but stable condition.
- Sarah Wilkes, a Bay City native and teacher at a nearby middle school, was driving the white SUV. She was struck by several rounds in the arm and shoulder but managed to maintain control of the vehicle long enough to bring it to a stop. Her injuries were described as non-life-threatening.
- Michael Harris, a long-haul trucker, was sitting in the back seat of the white SUV. He suffered gunshot wounds to both legs, though his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Witness Accounts and Surveillance Footage
Witnesses to the shooting described a scene of sheer panic as the vehicles tore through the streets, exchanging gunfire at terrifying speeds. One local resident, who requested anonymity, recalled the moment the vehicles flew past their home:
“They were going so fast I thought they were going to crash right into the house. Then I heard the shots—just pop, pop, pop—so fast. It was like something you see in a movie.”
Several others described taking cover, ducking behind nearby cars and buildings as the sound of the gunfire echoed through the streets. One bystander shared that they feared for their lives as the vehicles sped past, knowing they were caught in the crossfire.
“I heard it all happen, but there was nothing I could do. I ducked, and just hoped they didn’t hit me. It was terrifying.”
Authorities have confirmed that they are actively reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras in an effort to track down the suspect vehicle, a black sedan that was last seen fleeing south on M-15 after the shooting. Several nearby businesses, including a gas station and a convenience store, have provided footage to investigators, which is being analyzed for further clues.
Law Enforcement Response and Investigation
Bay City Police, along with officers from Saginaw County and surrounding jurisdictions, have launched a joint investigation into the shooting. Detectives have already begun working to identify the suspects involved and piece together the details of what led to this violent altercation. As of now, law enforcement has not confirmed any suspects, but they have stated that road rage appears to be the primary motive behind the incident.
“This was an extremely reckless and violent act that put countless lives in danger,” said Bay City Police Chief Lisa Conner during a press briefing. “Our investigators are working tirelessly to find those responsible for this senseless act and bring them to justice. We are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage to come forward.”
In addition to reviewing surveillance footage, police are also interviewing witnesses who were in the area at the time of the incident. Several individuals who were parked at nearby businesses have been interviewed, and a few have already provided key pieces of information that may help identify the suspect(s).
Bay City Police have also reached out to neighboring law enforcement agencies to ask for assistance in tracking down the black sedan, which remains at large. A search of the area, including several known hotspots for criminal activity, is ongoing. However, police have expressed concern that the suspects may have fled the area entirely.
Community Reaction
The incident has left the Bay City community in shock. Local residents who live near the intersection of M-15 and 22nd Street, where the shooting ultimately ended, described a scene of confusion and panic as police swarmed the area.
“I’ve lived here for years, and I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s scary to think that something like this could happen right down the street,” said one local resident. “It makes you think twice about going out after dark.”
In the wake of the incident, many community leaders have called for increased measures to address road rage and gun violence in the area. Some residents have also raised concerns about the accessibility of firearms, pointing out that such an incident could have been avoided if stricter laws were in place to prevent the misuse of guns on the road.
“People should not have guns out on the roads,” said Councilwoman Linda Bradford. “It’s a tragic situation that could have been avoided if there were more regulation on how and when people are allowed to carry firearms in public. We need to work together to keep our community safe.”
Public Appeal for Information
As the investigation continues, law enforcement is urging anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or has any information about the suspect vehicle to come forward. The Bay County Crime Stoppers have announced a reward for any tips leading to the identification and arrest of the suspects involved.
“We understand that people may be reluctant to come forward, but we are urging anyone who knows something to speak up. These individuals need to be held accountable for their actions,” said Detective Mark Roberts of the Bay City Police Department.
Citizens with information are encouraged to contact the Bay City Police Department directly or to submit tips anonymously through the Bay County Crime Stoppers hotline.
Conclusion and Ongoing Investigation
The road rage shooting in Bay City is a developing story, and authorities are working around the clock to investigate the incident, track down the suspect vehicle, and determine the exact motives behind the shooting. As of now, the black sedan remains at large, and police are continuing their search for suspects.
Meanwhile, the victims—Ethan Cross, Sarah Wilkes, and Michael Harris—are receiving treatment for their injuries, with medical professionals working to stabilize their conditions. The Bay City Police Department has promised to provide further updates as new information becomes available.
This remains an active investigation, and further developments will be reported as they occur.
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