3 shot at Easter celebration in Melbourne park, police say

Victims taken to hospital; 2 gunmen sought

MELBOURNE, Fla. – Three people were shot Sunday evening at an Easter celebration held at a park in Melbourne, police said.

Police said about 1,000 people were celebrating at Lipscomb Street Park when two men got out of a vehicle and began shooting into the crowd around 7:41 p.m.

"There were, like, 20 to 30 shots. It sounded like a bunch of firecrackers," said witness Tiana Tucker, who was visiting from south Florida.

A 27-year-old woman was shot in the left arm, a 24-year-old man was shot in the right leg and a 17-year-old boy was shot in the right arm. All three victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries, Melbourne police said.

Ten cars were also shot.

Detectives were looking for clues Sunday night and asking witnesses for a description of the vehicle. Police believe two shooters fired about 80 rounds.

Police said Monday that very few witnesses have stepped forward with information.

Several 911 calls were released from the incident Monday afternoon. Loud bangs and shouting can be heard in the background as panicked witnesses struggle to provide operators with details.

"There's people running everywhere, I am inside of the house," one woman said.

Another caller, who said she's a senior at Palm Bay Magnet High School, is unsure of where she is.

"No, (I didn't see who was shooting), I just know everybody ran back here," she said.

She mentions that she saw several people on dirt bikes but doesn't know if the shooter was on a dirt bike.

"Everybody was on dirt bikes," she said.

In the eight minutes' worth of 911 calls released Monday afternoon, only one caller is able to provide any suspect information, identifying only his race.


About the Author:

Dawn Jorgenson, Graham Media Group Branded Content Managing Editor, began working with the group in April 2013. She graduated from Texas State University with a degree in electronic media.

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