SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Police are searching for two men suspected in a downtown San Diego shooting spree that left five people injured Monday night.
According to San Diego police, the gunfire was reported just after 11 p.m. at several locations in the East Village neighborhood, about three blocks east of Petco Park's tailgate parking lot.
The shooting happened not long after the San Diego Padres wrapped up their game against the Washington Nationals at Petco Park.
Police said four people were in the 500 block of 15th Street, near Island Avenue, when two men dressed in dark clothing approached the group and opened fire.
Moments later, and several blocks from the initial shooting scene, a fifth person was shot in the 1800 block of Island Avenue.
All five shooting victims suffered what were considered to be non-life threatening injuries, according to police.
Police said the suspected shooters were described as black men between 19-25 years old and 6 feet to 6 feet 2 inches tall. The men were last seen fleeing westbound from the area.
A witness in the area told 10News that he heard about a dozen gunshots coming from different locations and two vehicles speeding from the scene. Police did not confirm if they were searching for vehicles as part of the investigation.
Police are looking into the possibility the shooting was gang-related.
Mayor Kevin Faulconer released the a statement Tuesday afternoon on the shooting. Read the full statement below:
“I’ve spent today talking to neighborhood and faith leaders as we come together as a community to seek solutions and put an end to the recent senseless violence in our neighborhoods. I have directed Chief Nisleit to use all resources necessary to investigate these crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice. My heart goes out to the victims, their loved ones and residents who have been affected by these events. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their neighborhoods and that’s why public safety will continue to be our top priority.”
SDPD's new police chief David Nisleit also issued a statement:
"The [SDPD] is working with the community and our faith-based partners to stop this violence, as it is my highest priority. We want the public to know we are working around the clock investigating the recent violent incidents which have shaken our community to the core. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their grieving families, and all who have been impacted by these senseless crimes. I am putting all of the Department's available resources toward furthering these investigations, in an effort to identify those responsible and hold them accountable for their crimes."
Anyone with information about Monday's shooting was asked to call SDPD at 619-531-2000 or San Diego County Crime Stoppers' anonymous tip line at 888-580-8477.
