Auburn Hills, Michigan, January 16, 2026
James Cardell Adams, a 27-year-old Pontiac resident, was charged in a targeted shooting incident that occurred in Auburn Hills. The shooting involved a firearm being discharged into an unoccupied vehicle. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Adams has been charged with multiple felonies, including carrying a concealed weapon and malicious destruction of property. He is currently in custody and awaits further legal proceedings.
Auburn Hills, Michigan: Man Charged in Targeted Parking Lot Shooting
AUBURN HILLS, Michigan – A 27-year-old Pontiac resident, James Cardell Adams, has been charged in connection with a targeted shooting incident that occurred on January 7, 2026, in Auburn Hills. The shooting took place at approximately 12:40 p.m. near the intersection of Barrington Square and Squirrel Road, where a firearm was discharged into an unoccupied vehicle in a parking lot. No injuries were reported, and authorities have stated there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Following the incident, Auburn Hills detectives, in collaboration with the FBI’s Oakland County Gang and Violent Crime Task Force, identified Adams as the suspect. He was taken into custody on January 12, 2026. On January 14, 2026, the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office authorized charges against Adams, including carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, felony firearm, and malicious destruction of property over $1,000. Adams was arraigned at the 52-3rd District Court, where a $10,000 bond was set. He remains in custody at the Oakland County Jail.
The charges Adams faces carry significant penalties. Carrying a concealed weapon is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison or a $2,500 fine. Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person is also a felony, with penalties of up to five years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine. The felony firearm charge carries a mandatory two-year prison sentence, while malicious destruction of property over $1,000 is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine, or three times the amount of destruction, whichever is greater.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence in the Auburn Hills area. In recent years, the community has faced several shooting incidents, including a drive-by shooting in Pontiac on January 9, 2026, which resulted in the death of a 26-year-old man. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office responded swiftly, arresting a 32-year-old Pontiac man in connection with that case.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the January 7 shooting and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement to help maintain the safety of the community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What charges has James Cardell Adams faced in connection with the Auburn Hills shooting?
James Cardell Adams has been charged with carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, felony firearm, and malicious destruction of property over $1,000.
What are the potential penalties for these charges?
The penalties for these charges include up to five years in prison or a $2,500 fine for carrying a concealed weapon; up to five years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person; a mandatory two-year prison sentence for felony firearm; and up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine, or three times the amount of destruction, whichever is greater, for malicious destruction of property over $1,000.
Were there any injuries reported in the Auburn Hills shooting?
No injuries were reported in the Auburn Hills shooting incident.
What is the current status of James Cardell Adams?
James Cardell Adams was arraigned at the 52-3rd District Court, where a $10,000 bond was set. He remains in custody at the Oakland County Jail.
What other recent shooting incidents have occurred in the Auburn Hills area?
Another recent shooting incident occurred on January 9, 2026, in Pontiac, resulting in the death of a 26-year-old man. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office responded swiftly, arresting a 32-year-old Pontiac man in connection with that case.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | January 7, 2026 |
| Location | Auburn Hills, Michigan |
| Suspect’s Name | James Cardell Adams |
| Suspect’s Age | 27 |
| Suspect’s Residence | Pontiac, Michigan |
| Charges | Carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, felony firearm, malicious destruction of property over $1,000 |
| Arrest Date | January 12, 2026 |
| Arraignment Date | January 14, 2026 |
| Bond Amount | $10,000 |
| Current Status | In custody at the Oakland County Jail |
| Incident Outcome | No injuries reported |
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