HARPER WOODS, Mich. -- Police in Harper Woods, Mich., said a bowling ball likely spared the life of a 15-year-old boy, Detroit station WDIV reported.

Christopher, who does not want to give his last name for fear of his safety, said an SUV on eastbound I-94 near Allard and Cadieux roads started flashing its lights at the car he was in Monday night, then someone in the car started shooting.

A bullet pierced a side door of the vehicle. Christopher had a 12-pound purple and yellow bowling ball in a bag on his lap, and it stopped the bullet from hitting him.

Christopher said, "I felt something hit my legs, and I'm like, I'm hit."

The teens had thought about going to the movies, but at the last minute decided to go bowling instead.

His mom Kimberly said, "Thank God everybody is OK and thank God for the bowling ball."

A teen in the back seat was struck by a piece of plastic from inside the car.

The five suspects were described as white men, 25 to 35 years old.

The driver was in a red Ford Fusion and had short brown curly hair with a large bald spot, a goatee and mustache.

Anyone with information is asked to call Harper Woods Police.