Several People Shot During MLK Day Celebration
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Several people have been shot while celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day at a Miami park on Monday.
The shooting happened at around 3:40 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park located at 6000 NW 32nd Court.
Witnesses reported hearing gunfire just west of where food trucks and booths had been set up.
One food truck vendor said, "I saw a lot of people running. I think like five people got hit, probably all teenagers, three girls and two male."
Miami-Dade police said in total eight people were shot.
"Eight victims – two of which are adult males, one critically injured," said Miami-Dade police spokesperson Marjorie Eloi.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said they transported six people suffering from gunshot wounds to the hospital. Two others were treated on the scene and released.
"You have people in the panic of it all were injured in the stampede seeking shelter," Det. Eloi said.
Police identified five of the victims: 14-year-old Lajada Benson, 15-year-old Nakya-Senat Butler, 18-year-old Shawnteri Wilson, 20 year-old Jerome Battle and 30-year-old Michael Clarke.
Investigators have detained two people for questioning and have recovered two weapons.
Authorities do not have a motive at this time.
"I don't know what happened. Just a lot of shooting and we had to pack up and go," said another food truck vendor.
Miami-Dade Police Director Juan Perez responded to news of the shooting on social media.
If you have any information that can help police, please contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.
Stay with CBSMiami.com for updates on this developing story.
