Fort Worth, Texas — A neighborhood celebration in Fort Worth ended in violence Saturday night after a gunman allegedly opened fire near a gathering area, injuring two women, a child and a police officer before fleeing the scene.
Authorities say the shooting happened near the annual Stop 6 Day celebration, though investigators do not currently believe the event itself was the intended target.
Shooting Erupts as Community Event Winds Down
According to the Fort Worth Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 9:10 p.m. to reports of gunfire in the 5200 block of East Rosedale.
Police said the Stop 6 Day event had been taking place earlier at Stop Six Park and was already winding down when the shooting occurred.
Officials emphasized that the gunfire did not occur at the event location itself.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as people gathered near a nearby business strip and apartment complex. Community member Billy Allen said residents were simply enjoying time together before the violence unfolded.
“We love each other amongst our community,” Allen said. “So I just wanted that to be known.”
Suspect Allegedly Fired Into Crowd
Investigators say a suspect dressed entirely in black approached the area from between an apartment complex and nearby businesses.
According to police, the individual then began firing a weapon toward a group of people gathered nearby.
“A suspect, observed dressed in all black, was seen coming around the corner between the apartment community and the businesses. The suspect then fired a gun indiscriminately in the direction of several people gathered in the area. The suspect was then seen running away toward the nearby apartment community,” said Fort Worth Police Officer Bradley Perez.
Witnesses also reported seeing the suspect emerge from the direction of nearby buildings before the shooting began.
“He came from this way,” Allen said while pointing toward the businesses and apartments.
Four People Injured in Shooting
Authorities confirmed that four people were injured during the gunfire. A woman suffered a gunshot wound to the head and remains in critical condition.
Police also said a child was grazed in the head by a bullet and transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.
An elderly woman was struck in the hip but suffered injuries that are not considered life-threatening. Meanwhile, a Fort Worth police officer sitting inside a parked patrol vehicle was also injured.
Investigators said a bullet pierced the windshield of the squad car, causing shrapnel to strike the officer in the neck.
The officer was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Community Reacts to Violence
Residents expressed frustration and sadness that violence erupted near an event meant to bring the community together.
Allen said the incident does not represent the values of those who attend Stop 6 Day celebrations.
“That’s crazy, ’cause for you to do that with police here, cause we don’t do that. We’re not about…were not promoting violence,” Allen said.
He added:
“You know, I don’t like that because we want to know that it’s…we want a safe environment, ’cause we want to continue to do this.”
The shooting has left many community members concerned while also determined not to let violence overshadow the event’s purpose.
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Police Seeking Public’s Help
As of now, authorities have not announced any arrests.
Investigators continue searching for the suspect and are asking anyone with information to contact the Fort Worth Police Department.
Police are also encouraging anonymous tips through Tarrant County Crime Stoppers as detectives work to identify and locate the gunman.
The investigation remains active.
What are your thoughts on this disturbing incident near a community celebration? Share your opinion respectfully in the comments below.
