Pontiac Man Charged with First-Degree Murder in Fatal Drive-By Shooting of Auburn Hills Resident

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — June 18, 2025 — A tragic act of gun violence that unfolded on the streets of Pontiac has led to a significant legal development as 32-year-old Tremaine Jevon Love was formally arraigned today on multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder, in connection with the June 13 drive-by shooting death of Thomas Jerrell Washington, a 26-year-old man from Auburn Hills.

The charges stem from a violent incident that occurred in broad daylight on the afternoon of Friday, June 13, near the intersection of Auburn Avenue and Russell Street. Witnesses reported a gray vehicle approaching and opening fire before speeding off. The gunfire struck Washington multiple times, including in the wrist and back. Paramedics arrived quickly and found him in critical condition with a faint pulse. He was rushed to a local hospital, but despite life-saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.

In a swift and coordinated response, investigators with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office were able to identify a suspect vehicle believed to be involved in the shooting. Within hours, deputies conducted a traffic stop in West Bloomfield Township at the intersection of Middlebelt Road and Long Lake Road, where Love was taken into custody without incident.

Following his arrest, Love was charged with a litany of serious offenses:

• First-Degree Murder (premeditated)
• Carrying a Concealed Weapon
• Felon in Possession of a Firearm
• Two Counts of Felony Firearm – Second Offense

The most severe of the charges — first-degree murder — carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted.

Love was arraigned in 50th District Court before Judge Jeremy Bowie, who ordered that he be held without bond at the Oakland County Jail, citing the gravity of the charges and the risk to public safety.

Sheriff Michael Bouchard praised his department’s rapid response and the collaboration among deputies and investigators that led to Love’s quick arrest.

“I am very proud of our teamwork that quickly located and took into custody this murder suspect,” Bouchard said in a statement. “I have said numerous times that a small number of people commit a large number of violent crimes. Given his background, it reaffirms my point. Individuals that have this proclivity for gun crimes need to do significant prison time. This individual needs to spend the rest of his life behind bars.”

While officials have not publicly disclosed a possible motive, the shooting is believed to have been targeted rather than random. Authorities have confirmed that multiple shell casings were recovered at the scene, and forensic evidence is being processed to build the prosecution’s case.

The victim, Thomas Jerrell Washington, is being remembered by family and friends as a loving father, a loyal friend, and a young man working toward a better future. According to loved ones, Washington was in the process of enrolling in trade certification programs and had aspirations of building a better life for himself and his child.

“He didn’t deserve this,” said one family member. “Thomas had a big heart and was just trying to turn a new page. He had people who loved him deeply.”

Community members in both Auburn Hills and Pontiac have expressed sorrow and frustration following the shooting, which has reignited calls for stronger action against gun violence and increased support for prevention programs. In recent months, Oakland County has seen a troubling pattern of shootings involving young men — many with prior criminal records — prompting civic leaders to push for stronger intervention strategies and community policing efforts.

The case against Tremaine Love is expected to move quickly. Prosecutors from the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office have indicated that they will pursue the charges to the fullest extent of the law.

Anyone with additional information regarding the shooting is encouraged to contact the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office tip line or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

As the legal process begins to unfold, a family mourns, a community reckons with another life lost to violence, and justice for Thomas Jerrell Washington becomes the central pursuit of a case that has already left an indelible mark on Oakland County.