Police sorting through 2,200 tips as investigation into I-96 corridor shootings continues

Police have received more than 2,200 tips in the ongoing investigation of the I-96 corridor shootings that have motorists on edge in Livingston, Oakland, Ingham and Shiawasee counties.

More than half of those — 1,300 — have been received since authorities increased the reward from $12,000 to $102,000 Monday.

Investigators have interviewed numerous people and investigated numerous tips, police said in a news release issued Wednesday afternoon as a press conference was being held at the Wixom Police Department.

At the press conference, police said they believe the gun used is some kind of pistol.

They also stressed that not every incident that occurs on I-96 is connected to the shootings.

"We have road rage incidents ... everyday," Michigan State Police Lt. Michael Shaw said at the press conference, webcast on WDIV. "Now it gets reported because it's on I-96."

Police earlier in the day said an incident some media outlets reported as a possible shooting Wednesday morning was actually a road-rage incident.

Law enforcement continues to solicit information about a dark-colored car and a suspect matching the previously released suspect sketch based on a witness account. The task force that was put together on Oct. 19 "encourages citizens to remain vigilant in reporting information leading to potential suspects, as it is our belief that the public will lead us to this individual," police said in the press release.

Contrary to some media reports, only three of the 24 reported incidents have occurred on I-96, the news release said.The remaining incidents occurred on trunk lines and local streets. The following agencies have received reports of shooting incidents: Wixom Police Department, 10; Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, 8 incidents; Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, 2 incidents; Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, 3 incidents and the Shiawassee County Sheriff’s Office, 1 incident.

On Tuesday, police stopped said they had stopped a number of vehicles that appeared to be involved in suspicious activities as they have investigated the shootings.

Anonymous tips can be reported to 1-800-SPEAK-UP. Tips can also be reported to any police agency; there is a $102,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

John Counts covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at johncounts@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.