Cops hunt for suspects after mass shooting at New Mexico park leaves three dead and 15 hurt
The shooting took place around 10 p.m. Friday in Las Cruces
Police are still hunting for the suspects behind a mass shooting in a New Mexico park that killed three teenagers and hurt 15 people.
The shooting happened around 10 p.m. Friday at Young Park parking lot in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Police confirmed two 19-year-old men and one 16-year-old boy died in the shooting. Their names have not been released.
“Officers arrived and learned of multiple gunshot victims. Most were transported to local hospitals. Some were taken to University Medical Center of El Paso,” police said. “At this time, police have not made any arrests for this incident but are actively following multiple leads,” they added.
The injured are aged between 16 and 36.
At a Saturday press conference, police said they are still searching for the culprits.
Witnesses told the New York Times that around 200 people were gathered in the park for an event that takes place monthly, where modified sports car drivers show their vehicles off. There was “a party-like atmosphere,” according to the newspaper.
The outlet reported an “altercation before gunshots rang out” and people fled for cover. There was no word on what caused the altercation.
Young Park and the surrounding roads nearby were closed while investigators were at the scene.
State Rep. Nicole Chavez said her “heart goes out to all those affected” in the shooting. “Let’s come together as a state & community to support the victims and their families during this difficult time,” Chavez said in a statement. “This is also another unfortunate reminder that change needs to be made when it comes to crime and public safety in our state.”
Johana Bencomo, the mayor pro tem, said the incident was “a heinous act of violence that will leave our city mourning” in an Instagram post. “Part of me wanted to write that this is something you never really think is going to happen in your city, but that actually feels deeply untrue.”
“Las Cruces police is receiving assistance on this investigation from the FBI, ATF, New Mexico State Police and the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office,” authorities added.