12 Teens Shot at Georgia Birthday Party
Authorities say two groups exchanged gunfire at a park after a dispute, leaving 12 teenagers wounded.
Twelve teenagers were wounded early Sunday morning in a shootout that erupted during a birthday party at a park in Macon, Georgia, according to Bibb County Sheriff David Davis.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight at Carolyn Crayton Park. Davis stated that a group of young people had gathered to celebrate an 18th birthday after being asked to leave a rented home where the party was initially being held. A second group arrived at the park, leading to a confrontation.
"Both groups exchanged words, brandished firearms and then began firing at each other," Davis said during a news conference. Surveillance video captured the exchange of gunfire, which lasted approximately 30 seconds, as attendees fled the scene.
Investigators are working to determine the relationship between the two groups and the specific cause of the hostilities. Davis noted that there is no indication the injured individuals were involved in the shooting.
Victims, who included four 18-year-old males, five 17-year-old males, two 18-year-old females, and one 19-year-old male, were transported to a local hospital in private vehicles. Two victims were in critical condition, while the others were reported as stable.
Deputies impounded four vehicles that transported victims to the hospital and three vehicles left at the park. Ten witnesses were interviewed. While no arrests have been made, the sheriff indicated that several persons of interest have been identified and that an increased police presence is expected in the coming days as arrests are made.