2 dead, 4 injured in shooting at Lk. Sammamish St. Park
ISSAQUAH, Wash. - Gunmen opened fire at Lake Sammamish State Park Saturday evening, killing two men and wounding four others, a King County Sheriff's spokesman said.
A park ranger called 911 to report the shooting close to the beach area around 9 p.m., and during the call more shots were fired, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Sgt. John Urquhart with the King County Sheriff's Department says police arrived to a chaotic scene near the beach with people running for their lives and bullets whizzing.
"When the gunfire was over there were six people shot, two of them dead," Urquhart said.
Six people were arrested following the shooting.
Laura Thoren was at the park and said she didn't immediately realize there had been a shooting.
"We thought they were fireworks at first because there were so many in a row, like 15 or more," she said. "We didn't pay that much attention to it until the cops that were nearby in the parking lot zoomed off to find out what was going on."
State troopers were among the first on the scene and took two men into custody that they believe are the gunmen, a patrol spokesperson said. Four others were arrested later.
Officials say three of the four wounded were taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. One of the victims, a 29-year-old man, was listed in serious condition on Sunday morning. Two others, a 20-year-old and a juvenile, were listed in satisfactory condition.
The fourth victim was treated for minor injuries at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue and released.
"Our victims, we don't know if they're innocent victims, people caught in a crossfire, suspects, or other shooters," Urquhart said. "It's quite possible there was more than one shooter."
There was a party at the beach when the gunfire erupted, but Urquhart says the motive for the shooting remains unknown at this point.
"Right now we're trying to sort it all out and find out who shot who and why," Urquhart said. "Several people detained for questioning. We're in the process of doing our investigation."
Detectives said one gun was recovered from the scene and several more guns were found in cars attempting to leave the park, a popular gathering place for boating and watersport activities.
The park was closed after the shooting, and no was let in or out of the park until they have been questioned by police.
The park will remain closed through Sunday as detectives take measurements and collect evidence at the scene.
Urquhart also said investigators believe several guns were stashed in the park after the shooting, and deputies need to find the weapons before the park can re-open.
The two people who were killed have not been identified, nor were any of the suspects.
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• More video from the scene of the Lake Sammamish State Park shooting »
A park ranger called 911 to report the shooting close to the beach area around 9 p.m., and during the call more shots were fired, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Sgt. John Urquhart with the King County Sheriff's Department says police arrived to a chaotic scene near the beach with people running for their lives and bullets whizzing.
"When the gunfire was over there were six people shot, two of them dead," Urquhart said.
Six people were arrested following the shooting.
Laura Thoren was at the park and said she didn't immediately realize there had been a shooting.
"We thought they were fireworks at first because there were so many in a row, like 15 or more," she said. "We didn't pay that much attention to it until the cops that were nearby in the parking lot zoomed off to find out what was going on."
State troopers were among the first on the scene and took two men into custody that they believe are the gunmen, a patrol spokesperson said. Four others were arrested later.
Officials say three of the four wounded were taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. One of the victims, a 29-year-old man, was listed in serious condition on Sunday morning. Two others, a 20-year-old and a juvenile, were listed in satisfactory condition.
The fourth victim was treated for minor injuries at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue and released.
"Our victims, we don't know if they're innocent victims, people caught in a crossfire, suspects, or other shooters," Urquhart said. "It's quite possible there was more than one shooter."
There was a party at the beach when the gunfire erupted, but Urquhart says the motive for the shooting remains unknown at this point.
"Right now we're trying to sort it all out and find out who shot who and why," Urquhart said. "Several people detained for questioning. We're in the process of doing our investigation."
Detectives said one gun was recovered from the scene and several more guns were found in cars attempting to leave the park, a popular gathering place for boating and watersport activities.
The park was closed after the shooting, and no was let in or out of the park until they have been questioned by police.
The park will remain closed through Sunday as detectives take measurements and collect evidence at the scene.
Urquhart also said investigators believe several guns were stashed in the park after the shooting, and deputies need to find the weapons before the park can re-open.
The two people who were killed have not been identified, nor were any of the suspects.
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• More video from the scene of the Lake Sammamish State Park shooting »