Shooting Near Banquet Hall In Dallas Leaves 8 Injured, Including 2 Children
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - The Dallas Police Department is investigating a shooting that left eight people injured, including a 10-year-old and a 15-year-old, early Sunday.
Police said they responded to the shooting at a strip mall just after 12:30 a.m. in the 4600 block of R L Thornton Freeway.
It became the scene of a gun fight when two different groups got into an altercation.
According to police, two side-by-side event spaces in the shopping center were each rented out for separate parties.
The owners of one of the suites said there was a large family celebrating a graduation in one and a different party with dozens of teenagers in the other.
According to police, people from each group were standing outside and got in some type of argument that led to a physical fight. After they all went back in, shots were fired back and forth.
"10 years, 11 years and I don't have, never, one problem," said Teresa Sotelo, who owns one of the event spaces. "This is the first time."
Eight people were hit, including a 15-year-old and a 10-year-old who received a single gunshot wound to the leg.
"I feel bad, bad, bad for the family," Sotelo said.
Police said the injuries were not life-threatening. There was one victim who had to have surgery and their condition is unknown.
No arrests have been made as the investigation continues.
"Here we go again," said Tigist Solomon, community coordinator for the Urban Specialists. "Here we go again."
Just three days ago, the community group led a protest calling for the end of violent crime against children in Dallas after multiple kids got caught in the crossfire of recent shootings.
"This cannot be accepted as the norm," Solomon said. "Luckily they're alive, but they're filling out, you know, crimes against victims forms versus playing in the playground. That's not how it's supposed to be."
Solomon says everyone has to step up to put a stop to this senseless violence.
"Be that person that can make a difference," she said.