A planned fight between two “young individuals” escalated into a shooting at a public park in Winston-Salem, N.C., killing two and injuring several others, authorities said Monday.
The Winston-Salem Police Department said the incident at Leinbach Park started at around 9:52 a.m. “When the individuals met at the park, the situation escalated significantly, leading to multiple people exchanging gunfire,” it wrote on X.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation wrote on X that “several people” had been shot, “with 2 deceased.” Police said that “several individuals — both victims and suspects — have been identified and located” and that efforts are ongoing to account for everyone. It did not confirm the number of suspects or victims, some of whom are juveniles.
Nearby schools were placed on a secure hold as a precaution, though police and school officials say there is no need for students to be picked up. Police are asking the public to avoid the area.
Police clarified that they were not called about an active shooter. Meanwhile, the state’s Bureau of Investigation reiterated that the shooting did not happen at a school, but at Leinbach Park nearby.
Winston-Salem Police Assistant Chief Jason Swaim said during a brief news conference on Monday that Police Chief William Penn will give an in-depth news conference at a later time.
This is a developing story. Please check back with Yahoo for updates.
