Deadly Day in Owosso Comes to an End
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Updated: 11:05 PM Sep 11, 2009
Deadly Day in Owosso Comes to an End
A deadly day in Owosso comes to an end; two people are shot and killed.
Posted: 11:05 PM Sep 11, 2009
Reporter: Jamie Edmonds
Email Address: jamie.edmonds@wilx.com
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The investigation into the murders of two people in Owosso has just begun.

Prosecutors say 33-year-old Harlan Drake held grudges toward many in town, and acted on those feelings early Friday.

It all started a little after 7 in the morning, when police say Drake gunned down an anti-abortion activist -- 63 year old James Pouillon-- near Owosso High School.

"At 7:20 a.m. multiple shots were fired from a car fatally wounding Mr. Pouillon," Owosso Police Chief Michael Compeau said.

Then the gunman drove seven miles down the road to the Fuoss Gravel Company. That's where police say Drake shot and killed the 61-year-old owner --Mike Fuoss --in his office.

"At 8:17 a.m., Shiawassee Central Dispatch got a call that an employee had found the owner, deceased in the office with multiple gun shot wounds," Shiawassee County Sheriff George Braidwood said.

Numerous witnesses at the high school identified Drake's white truck and license plate, then notified police.

"After being at Fous Gravel at that shooting, he retired to his home," Chief Assistant Prosecutor Sara Edwards said. "The high school witnesses identified the vehicle, officers responded and he was there."

Once in custody, prosecutors said Drake confessed to the second shooting and told police he intended to kill another man: local realtor James Howe.

"Based on some transactions it caused him to have ill-will toward Mr. Howe," Shiawassee County Prosecutor Randy Colbry said.

It's unclear what Drake had against the gravel pit owner, but police confirm the two knew each other.

They don't know if Drake knew Pouillon, but say the suspect told them he didn't like the graphic nature of the activist's sign, saying an image of fetus shouldn't be around students.

"It seemed to bother him that Mr. Pouillon was outside with his signs," Edwards said.

Owosso schools went into immediate lock down after the shooting. When it was deemed safe, parents were allowed to pick up their kids.

Residents of this small town are clearly in shock and in mourning for the victims.

Prosecutors issued a warrant for 22 and 45 caliber handguns they believe Drake used in the shootings. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 25th in 66th District Court. Drake is being held without bond until then.

All Owosso after-school activities were canceled Friday -- including the football game. It will be played Saturday night at seven o'clock at Jackson Northwest High School.