Three injured in shooting at Kennywood amusement park near Pittsburgh
WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. (AP) — Three people, including two teenagers, were shot and wounded late Saturday at the start of a Halloween-themed celebration at an amusement park southeast of Pittsburgh.
Allegheny County Police said a 39-year-old man and two 15-year-old boys were shot at Kennywood Park in West Mifflin just before 11 p.m. Park security personnel responded along with local and county police who were responsible for security details at the park.
Paramedics took the man and one of the youths to a hospital, where the man had a gunshot wound to his leg and was treated and released. A young man was hospitalized with a gunshot wound to the leg, and another was taken to the hospital with a grazed leg. Both teens were listed in stable condition.
A witness told investigators that two groups of teens got into an altercation in front of a Musik Express ride and were shot at by a man wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and a dark-colored COVID mask.Police A handgun was found near the scene, according to reports.
Kennywood posted a statement on Twitter around 12:30 a.m. Sunday, saying the park was closed for the night and all guests had left. An official said, “We are aware of the situation that occurred this evening and are cooperating with local law enforcement. The safety of our guests and team members is our top priority.”
According to the park’s website, all guests, staff and administrators must pass through a metal detector at the entrance gate, and all bags, handbags and coolers are subject to inspection. Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited.”
According to KDKA-TV, police are conducting an investigation using security cameras in the park and statements from witnesses. County police asked anyone with information or video to contact investigators. The Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety said in a social media post that its officials were helping.
According to the park’s website, Kennywood was celebrating the opening night of the Phantom Fall Fest, which is scheduled to run through October 16th. The park will be closed on Sunday, with tickets for that day valid for other days of Phantom Falls Fest, and will reopen on Friday, the park said on its website.
The website bills the park as a fun, family-friendly destination with seven roller coasters and kid-friendly rides.
Ward Tretchell of West Mifflin told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he arrived around 9:45 p.m. Saturday and saw “too many unaccompanied minors.” He said he left around 10:30pm because the young man was aggressive and “trying to start a fight”. As he was leaving, at least a group of 100 people passed him by him a couple of times, Tretchell said, calling it a scene with “a lot of chaos.”
Irwin’s Thomas Harrison told Tribune Review that he was with his fiancée and parents when the shot was fired.
“Children were crying,” Harrison said. “Some were looking for their loved ones.”
https://www.wkbn.com/news/pennsylvania/3-injured-in-shooting-at-pittsburgh-amusement-park/ Three injured in shooting at Kennywood amusement park near Pittsburgh