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EDMOND, Oklahoma — A weekend gathering by the lake in Oklahoma turned tragic when a shooting left one person dead and 22 others injured by gunfire and shrapnel, authorities reported on Tuesday.
In a statement on social media platform X, Edmond police revealed that an 18-year-old woman succumbed to injuries sustained during the shooting, which erupted after a fight broke out at Sunday night’s event.
Although no arrests have been made yet, Edmond Police spokesperson Sgt. James Hamm assured the public that investigators have information suggesting there is no lingering threat to community safety.
The altercation occurred at a picnic pavilion near Arcadia Lake, a well-known destination for boating, fishing, and swimming located just north of Oklahoma City. The shooting unfolded just as officers were responding to a noise complaint regarding the party, according to Hamm.
Promoted extensively on social media, the event attracted a large crowd composed mainly of young people, police officials noted.
Three hospitals in the Oklahoma City area said Monday that they had treated 18 people from the party. One healthcare system said the victims ranged in age from 16 to 30.
Some of the victims suffered graze wounds and many were treated and released, he said. It’s possible that more people were hit but didn’t seek treatment, Hamm said.
Many of those shot were not involved in the fight and were “simply attending the party,” he said.
Police declined to release any information about potential suspects, how many people may have fired shots or what types of weapons were used. Hamm said the department wanted to maintain the integrity of the investigation.
Edmond Mayor Mark Nash said Monday that the shooting took place at a public park where spaces can be reserved for large gatherings, but no reservation had been made.
Jeremiah Braxton, who was at the party, said two of his friends were among those shot. He said everyone was eating, dancing and having a good time until a group of girls started arguing over boyfriends.
“It just started a whole bunch of chaos,” he said Monday.
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