A tragic shootout during an unsanctioned car meet at Young Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico, has resulted in the deaths of three teenagers and injuries to 15 more people.
The event was marred by violence between two antagonistic groups, escalating into a mass shooting late Saturday night, New York Post reported.
The deadly confrontation occurred shortly after 10 p.m., rattling the parking lot of Young Park where an illegal car gathering was taking place. The deceased include two 19-year-olds and a 16-year-old boy. Their identities have yet to be publicly released.
The ages of those injured in the shooting span from 16 to 36 years. Seven individuals received treatment on the scene, while 11 others were transported to nearby hospitals. Some remain in critical condition, fighting for survival.
The gunfire erupted amid a crowd of approximately 200 attendees, many of whom were innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire. Witnesses reported a party-like atmosphere prior to the outbreak of violence.
Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story described the scene as "a huge crime scene with a lot of moving parts." He noted that the police department is currently hindered by manpower issues.
No arrests have been made, though multiple people have been questioned by police. The gunfight appears to stem from a long-standing dispute between the two groups. Officials recovered around 50 shell casings, mostly within the confines of the park but also extending into nearby streets.
Chief Jeremy Story acknowledged awareness of "ill will between these groups" before the events unfolded. He lamented the presence of numerous firearms throughout the gathering.
Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story stated, "In a perfect world, where I had 220 police officers like I’m supposed to, it probably would have been different last night. But I had no units available for most of the night prior to the shooting. I got what I got, right? If I don’t have any officers available, I can’t respond. So I wish it would have been different, but it wasn’t for lack of trying or because we didn’t want to respond."
Las Cruces City Councilor and Mayor Pro Tem Johana Bencomos expressed a sense of dread that such tragedies are becoming expected in today's climate. "Honestly, nowadays a tragedy like this feels like a nightmare just waiting to come true at any possible moment," she remarked.
Meanwhile, law enforcement officials are appealing to the public for video evidence from the night of the incident. In response, the park and its surroundings have been temporarily closed to aid the investigation.
At the same time, Angel Legaspy, an eyewitness, recounted the shocking scene: "They just started shooting and they just started running around everybody." His account highlights the chaotic nature of the event.
Ultimately, this incident highlights the critical challenges faced by law enforcement in balancing resource constraints with public safety.
As the investigation continues, the community of Las Cruces is left grappling with the aftermath of this devastating act of violence.
