A 12-year-old girl was killed and three adults were injured Saturday when two gunmen allegedly exchanged fire during a dispute near a youth football game in Baltimore, Maryland, authorities said.
The girl appears to have been caught in the crossfire at Leon Day Park, where a youth football league was hosting its homecoming event, Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley said at a news conference.
Investigators believe the confrontation began with an argument over a parking space, according to Worley.
“What we know is that there was some type of argument between two cowards, and of course, they both opened fire on each other,” Worley said.
The commissioner said the girl, who was likely watching the football game, was struck and killed in the exchange of gunfire.
Police were searching for at least two suspects, described as adult men, as of Saturday evening. No arrests had been reported by late Saturday night.
Baltimore police told Fox News Digital that officers were called to the 1200 block of North Franklintown Road at about 6:15 p.m. following multiple reports of gunshots.
At the scene, officers found a 25-year-old woman with an apparent gunshot wound. The 12-year-old girl was taken to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
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Police said a 28-year-old man and a 23-year-old man later arrived separately at area hospitals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds.
The three surviving victims were reported to be in stable condition.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott condemned the shooting, saying it happened after two adults were unable to settle an argument without resorting to guns.
“Two grown men got into an argument and now a 12-year-old is gone,” Scott said.
“What happened out here today is one of the most disgusting things I’ve ever seen in my life,” he added.
Scott said the girl’s death would deeply affect Baltimore’s community and expressed sympathy for her family.
“We’re never gonna see her full potential,” he said. “Her family’s gonna be hurting for this for the rest of their life. Her classmates are going to be hurting, her community’s going to be hurting.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact homicide detectives at 410-396-2100 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland.