Two people were hospitalized after a shooting at a Garland park Sunday night, according to police.
Garland police and fire crews were dispatched to Watson Park in the 3900 block of Lawler Road shortly after 8 p.m. following a report of a person who had been shot.
When officers arrived, they found a 17-year-old boy suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began lifesaving measures before the teenager was taken to a nearby hospital. He remained in critical condition.
Second Shooting Victim Found Nearby
A short time later, officers received another call and located a 20-year-old man suffering from apparent gunshot wounds on a nearby street.
Officers also performed lifesaving measures on the second victim before he was transported to a hospital. He remained hospitalized in stable condition.
Police said investigators believed the two shootings were connected to an encounter involving two groups of people at Watson Park.
Gunfire Erupted During Encounter
According to investigators, the two groups had met at the park for reasons that remained unclear. At some point during the encounter, gunfire was exchanged from one group toward another.
The person or people believed to be responsible for the shooting left the area by unknown means, police said.
Investigators continued working to identify and locate those responsible.
Police said they believed the shooting was an isolated incident and that there was no indication of an ongoing threat to the broader community.
Police Seek Information
The investigation remained active Monday. Garland police asked anyone with information about the shooting to contact the department at 972-485-4840.
Anonymous tips could also be submitted to Garland Crime Stoppers at 972-272-TIPS (8477) or www.garlandcrimestoppers.org.
A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest.
