(DailyDig.com) – On October 8 at 12:35 a.m., officers from the Pennsylvania State Police in Indiana County responded to gunfire in White Township at a community center, located approximately 50 miles from Pittsburgh.
According to Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens from the PA State Police, the incident occurred inside the Chevy Chase Community Center during a private celebration attended by roughly 150 individuals.
Nine individuals between 18 and 23 years old were shot, including a 22-year-old Pittsburgh man who was pronounced dead at the site. Some patients were treated and discharged from local hospitals, while authorities said one was still in severe condition.
Bivens told the reporters that the crime scene was extraordinarily large and convoluted, with scores of gunfire heard within the structure. Clothing, several shot casings, mobile phones, and various guns were among the thousands of items gathered as evidence.
The police have stated their suspicion that there was more than one gunman present but have not disclosed any other information. While investigating various possible leads, police have made no arrests yet. The events preceding the time of the incident are still being pieced together, Bivens added, urging anybody with knowledge to come forward with any information they may have.
When asked whether the public is at risk of danger, Bivens said that authorities consider this to be an isolated incident limited to the individuals who attended the celebration.
Bivens said that at about midnight, police responded to a disturbance report about loud music emanating from the building housing the party. Officers arrived to find gunfire coming from within the structure, forcing them to request reinforcements.
A number of the wounded had already been treated outside the building. Attendees sought to flee the premises via open windows and doors as gunfire continued inside. Officers eventually entered the facility and found more injured individuals.
Bivens verified that no law enforcement officers were hurt.
Police have announced a reward of up to $15,000. This includes a $10,000 offer from Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers and an additional $5,000 from the ATF.
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