Seven people were shot at a park in Washington state on Wednesday, May 28, according to authorities.
The Lakewood Police Department reported in a Facebook post that seven people, ranging in age from 16 to 38, were shot soon before 8 p.m. local time at Harry Todd Park in the city.
On May 29, police further stated that two of the seven victims are still in serious condition, one is in critical condition, and the remaining four are stable. Police informed KOMO News that five of the fatalities were discovered in the park, while two others walked to area hospitals.
“Most of these people were unintentionally struck during this careless act of violence,” police stated in a Facebook post. “Detectives will continue to sort through the information gathered to hold those involved accountable for their actions.”
Why do the police believe the shooting occurred?
According to the social media post, investigators believe the shooting was not random but resulted from a quarrel.
“Currently detectives believe that this incident began as a dispute between two groups that escalated to gunshots,” the police added. “There is no threat to the public and this was not a targeted attack on park goers.”
As of May 29, no arrests had been made in relation to the incident.
Police describe the atmosphere at American Lake Park during the incident as ‘chaotic’
Police told KOMO that the situation at the park was “chaotic” when they arrived, with numerous families and children there when the rounds were fired.
“We’ve had these couple days here where the sun finally came out and it’s been a gorgeous time for people to get out and enjoy the park, the lake, and then you have something like this that happens,” Lakewood Police Sgt. Charles Porche told the Seattle, Washington-based TV station.
The police department’s original Facebook post on May 28 stated that the “scene was hectic because many of these people were trying to leave the park after hearing the gunshots.”
