[ad_1]
Police were investigating a shooting that left nine children shot at a Georgia gas station on Friday.
The victims, whose names were not released, ranged in age from 5 to 17, Columbus Police Department Police Chief Freddie Blackmon said. The shooting took place late Friday night in Columbus, about 110 miles southwest of Atlanta and about 85 miles east of Montgomery, Alabama.
Seven males and two females were hurt, the chief told reporters during a news conference on Saturday.
None of the victims suffered life-threatening injuries, Blackmon said.
“I am committed to assuring you that we will find the person or persons responsible for this senseless crime,” he said. “Incidents like this, really impact all of us.”
New Orleans parade shooting:Five shot, one fatally, during run-up to Mardi Gras
Live Ukraine updates:Biden in Kyiv, Japan rolls out aid and Putin faces ‘people’s court’
Here’s what we know:
- Officers from the department responded about 10 p.m.
- Police found multiple gunshot victims amid a large group of people outside the gas station just off Highway 27.
- At least four of the victims were discharged from hospitals where they were treated, as of Saturday.
- As of Monday, no arrests had been made in the case.
How the shooting transpired
The chief said police believe an altercation took place at a party nearby and it spilled over to the gas station when the shooting began.
The incident remains under investigation on Monday, police said.
Blackmon said detectives have spoken with witnesses, some of whom are cooperating – while others are not.
“I encourage anyone with information to contact police. I encourage parents whose child was injured in this incident to make sure that any information they share with them is shared with police. We will work around the clock to resolve this case,” he said.
California bishop killed:Los Angeles Catholic auxiliary bishop found fatally shot; homicide investigation underway
During the news conference, the chief did not say whether detectives have pinpointed any suspects.
“I’m so grateful to God that we didn’t have anyone lose their life,” Mayor B.H. “Skip” Henderson III said. “I’m tired of seeing folks having a disagreement or argument or maybe even a fistfight who then think they have to reach for a gun. That’s just got to stop. We’ve got to find a way in the community to reclaim our young people.”
Contributing: Associated Press
Natalie Neysa Alund covers trending news for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.
[ad_2]
USA TODAY
Source link