A 12-year-old girl was fatally shot in Baltimore after two men allegedly argued over a parking space and opened fire, police say. The child was killed shortly after 6pm EDT (11pm BST) on Saturday, caught in the crossfire at a park where children were playing American football.
Police search for two suspects
Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley confirmed the force is searching for two suspects, aged 23 and 28. Two males walked to local hospitals seeking treatment for injuries seemingly related to the incident that night, while responders were on-scene. They were reported to be in a stable condition. No arrests have been made yet.
Speaking at a press conference, Worley said: ‘What we know is there was some type of argument between two cowards. They both opened fire on each other. In the crossfire, a 12-year-old little girl, who was probably down there watching football, was shot and killed.’
Other victims and mayor’s response
The girl, who hasn’t been publicly named, was not the target of the shooting, Worley stated. Police also found a woman with gunshot wounds upon arriving at the scene in the 1200 block of North Franklintown Road. The 25-year-old female was transported to an area hospital. Additionally, police told People that a fourth victim, a 35-year-old woman, ‘walked into an area hospital seeking treatment for a graze wound to the back’.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott expressed ‘disgust’ at the behaviour of the ‘so-called men’: ‘Two grown men got into an argument, and now this baby is gone. We never should have to say something like that. What happened out here today is one of the most disgusting things I’ve ever seen in my life.’
Witness appeal and coach’s account
Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward while enquiries continue. It is currently unclear how many bullets were fired.
Mark Brown, coach of the Charm City Buccaneers youth football league, told NBC affiliate WBAL-TV that gunfire broke out while they were playing. ‘Some miscellaneous outsiders caused this situation,’ he said. ‘It wasn’t us.’ Brown continued: ‘It was a beautiful day, homecoming; there was food, vendors… and next thing you know, pandemonium. [In] 29 years, Charm City football has never experienced anything like this.’ ‘This happened over a parking spot,’ he added in disbelief. ‘It was avoidable.’
