A mass shooting at a crowded lounge in New York City left at least three people dead and eight others injured as police search for multiple suspects, authorities said Sunday morning.

Gunfire erupted around 3:30 a.m. at Taste of the City in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn after a dispute took place, NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said during a news briefing.

Officers responded within minutes to multiple 911 calls and found 11 gunshot victims ranging in age from 27 to 61, Tisch said. 

Three victims, two males aged 27 and 35, and a third male of an unknown age, were pronounced dead. The remaining eight victims were being treated at local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, Tisch said.

Investigators were canvassing available CCTV footage around the lounge and discovered at least 36 shell casings at the scene. 

Police said at least 36 shell casings were discovered inside the lounge where multiple shooters opened fire during a dispute early Sunday. (WCBS )

A firearm was recovered near the scene, and police are investigating whether it was used in the shooting. 

No further details were immediately provided.