09/19/2026
UPDATED PRESS RELEASE:
On 09-16-2026, Imlay City Police responded to a shots fired call on M-53 between I-69 and Newark Road. The victim was driving N/B on M-53 when the suspect fired an unknown number times striking the victims vehicle at least one time.
During the investigation, it was determined that two males were involved in a road rage incident that began on E/B I-69. Both the victim and suspect (Shaun Michael Wagner 12-01-1991) exited the freeway at M-53 where both Wagner and the victim continued a verbal argument. Both subjects turned N/B on M-53 into Imlay City, where Wagner fired at least one shot at the victim. The victimโs vehicle was struck through the rear window and the bullet was lodged inside a seat. Wagner fled the scene N/B on M-53. The victim called 911 to report the incident immediately, but did not speak to an officer in person for several hours.
At the beginning of the investigation, officers were able to locate a shell casing and glass fragments from the victimโs vehicle on M-53. This led to the highway being was closed for approx. two hours while the scene was processed.
Within two hours, Wagner was identified as a suspect of this incident. On 09-17-2026, officers from the Imlay City Police Department and Almont Police Department conducted a search warrant at Wagnerโs home in Peck, MI where it is believed the weapon involved in the shooting was recovered along with several other weapons and am******on.
Through the investigation, it was determined that Wagner was in the Battle Creek area. The Battle Creek Police Department was contacted and advised of the incident. They offered their assistance in locating and arresting Wagner. He was taken into custody in the City of Battle Creek without incident. Wagnerโs vehicle, a 2023 Chevy Silverado, was also recovered in Battle Creek.
On 09-18-2026, Wagner was arraigned in 71A District Court in Lapeer on the following charges:
1. Assault With Intent to Murder (up to life)
2. Use Of a Fi***rm During the Commission of a Felony (Mandatory 2 Year)
3. Discharge Of a Fi***rm from a Motor Vehicle (10-year Felony)
4. Use Of a Fi***rm During the Commission of a Felony (Mandatory 2 Year)
5. Reckless Driving (Misdemeanor)
Bond was set at $500,000 cash or surety.
The Imlay City Police Department wants to express that this was an isolated incident and that there was no danger to the public.
The Imlay City Police Department would like to thank the Lapeer County Sheriffโs Office, Lapeer County Dispatch, Almont Police Department, Battle Creek Police Department, and the Metamora Township Police Department for their assistance with this investigation.
Thank you,
Charles Rushton
Chief of Police Imlay City
395 East Third Street
Imlay City, Michigan 48444
810-724-2345
