Authorities say a shooting in Tampa, Florida, killed at least two people and injured 18 others early Sunday after a dispute broke out between two groups on a street crowded with hundreds of people during Halloween celebrations.
According to Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw, the incident occurred shortly before 3 a.m. along a strip of bars and clubs in the 1600 block of East 7th Avenue in the Ybor City neighbourhood.
“It was a disturbance or a fight between two groups,” Bercaw said. “And in this fight between two groups, we had hundreds of innocent people involved that were in the way.”
People in Halloween costumes are drinking and conversing on the street when shots ring out, causing a stampede. Some folks fall over metal tables and hide behind them. In the aftermath, police personnel are seen treating many victims who are lying wounded on the ground.
Some officers were present at the time of the incident, but none were harmed, according to Bercaw.
There was no immediate word on the 18 injured people who were hospitalised.
According to Bercaw, one suspect, only identified as a guy, turned himself in to the police. Authorities suspect there was a second shooter.
The circumstances surrounding the fight are still being investigated.
