SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN, USA – SEPTEMBER 4, 2026 Sonja Bruner, 58, was fatally shot in the parking lot of a TGI Fridays restaurant during the Lavish Biker Bash motorcycle event. When police arrived at the scene, they found her suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was transported to a hospital, where she later died.
Sonja Bruner
According to investigators, Sonja Bruner had gotten into a verbal argument with a 35-year-old man from Southfield before the shooting. Both had valid concealed-carry permits, and during the confrontation they pulled out firearms and began shooting at each other. The man was detained after the incident and identified as the suspected shooter.
Two bystanders who were not involved in the confrontation were also injured in the shooting. A 54-year-old man from Detroit suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was in serious but stable condition. A 42-year-old woman from Evans, Georgia was shot in the left shoulder and biceps and was in stable condition.
Sonja Bruner’s family described her as a loving and free-spirited woman who adored her grandchildren. Her sister said that Sonja Bruner had been trying to move forward with her life and spend time with her family after recently losing her son and husband.
The case remains under investigation. The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office is reviewing the evidence, including toxicology results, and no charges have been filed yet. The man suspected of the shooting has since been released. Anyone with additional information can contact the Southfield Police Department at 248-796-5500.
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