Sheriff’s Office Says Overnight Shootings Is Gang-Related
EL PASO COUNTY – Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a shooting that left two people injured. Deputies say the incident is gang-related and involved the Bloods and the Crips.
“They’re here,” said Sgt. Robert Jaworski of gang activity. “They’re not like Los Angeles, but they’re here.” Jaworski says authoritiesare seekingthree suspects. Two have been identified.
The shootinghappened around 3 a.m. Sunday on Shannara Grove at the Claremont Ranch Townhomes near the intersection of Constitution Avenue and Marksheffel Road. Jaworski says as many as 15 shots were fired, some striking homes and vehicles.
Investigators say a party involving as many as 40 people spilled out into the parking lot when the gunfire started. The victims are a 26-year-old man and a 20-year-old man who arrived at Penrose Hospital on theirown. One is in critical condition with three gunshot wounds.The other victim was shot once, and is not believed to be seriously injured.
For much of the day, residents of about 16 townhomes were not allowed to leave until authorities finished gathering evidence. A Cimarron Hills Fire Department ladder truck was called in to help provide aerial photos.
The shooting concerns a mother of three who recently moved to the complex from Los Angeles after a similar incident there. “One of my older sons actually is really scared now,” explains Brandy Romero. I didn’t think that stuff happened out here.”
