A shooting near an Aurora, Colorado, high school left six teenagers — four males and two females aged 14-18 — hospitalized on Monday, according to local police. The suspect is unknown and no longer at the scene.
The Aurora Police Department said the shooting took place at Nome Park on at the corner of Nome and 12th just before 1 p.m. local time. Police initially reported that a nearby school, Aurora Central High School, went into lockdown, but an update revealed the school was “on a secure perimeter, not a lockdown.”
“During the initial scene response, responding officers applied tourniquets on at least two of the victims, potentially saving their lives,” an APD press release stated.
The incident did not occur inside the school, authorities noted. APD Chief Vanessa Wilson is asking anyone with knowledge of the incident to contact Metro Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Those who provide tips could be eligible for an up to $2,000 reward.
“We are also asking residents in the area of Nome Park to please review any exterior cameras they may have and notify law enforcement if they believe they have any information that could assist detectives,” the department stated.
An update from the department said a sixth victim transported himself to the hospital with “minor injuries.”
Police said the victims ages range from 14 to 18, but no additional information was provided.
“PARENTS OF STUDENTS AT CENTRAL HS: @aurorak12 will be sending out an email and automated message to communicate dismissal for school today,” the department tweeted early Monday.
“We want to thank all our officers who responded to this chaotic scene and those that performed life-saving measures. We also want to thank Aurora Fire Rescue, Falck Rocky Mountain, Aurora Public Schools and other metro-area first responders that assisted us with this incident,” the APD’s statement said.
FOX 31 reported that gang activity and violence recently occurred in Nome Park, and before the shooting on Monday, three aggravated assaults took place in the park this year. Three gun-related aggravated assaults also occurred across the street from the park, according to the local Fox affiliate.
Also in Aurora, Colorado, on July 20, 2012, a gunman opened fire in a movie theater, killing 12 people, including a 6-year-old girl, and injuring around 70 others.
According to History.com, the attack was the deadliest mass shooting in Colorado since 12 high school students and a teacher were murdered in Columbine in 1999.
The shooter, identified as 24-year-old James Holmes, provided no motive for the mass shooting and was ultimately charged with 166 counts of murder, attempted murder and weapons charges. In 2015, Holmes was sentenced to 12 life sentences without parole.
