Twelve teenagers were wounded, two critically, in a late-night shooting at Carolyn Crayton Park in Macon, Georgia, following an argument between two groups at a birthday gathering. Bibb County Sheriff David Davis said law enforcement is investigating the early Sunday incident with assistance from the FBI.
Birthday Gathering at Carolyn Crayton Park Escalates Into Gunfire
Twelve teenagers ranging in age from 17 to 19 were wounded early Sunday morning when gunfire erupted at Carolyn Crayton Park in Macon, Georgia, according to law enforcement reports. The violence broke out just after midnight near the park’s skatepark area, not far from Interstate 16 at the edge of downtown.
Investigators stated that the victims had initially gathered to celebrate an 18th birthday party. The event was originally scheduled to take place at an Airbnb located in neighboring Jones County. However, Bibb County Sheriff David Davis explained that the property owner made the group leave after discovering firearms on the premises.
The attendees subsequently relocated to the public park in Macon. Security camera footage captured the ensuing shootout, which investigators say began after a second group arrived and exchanged words with the partygoers across the street. Both groups pulled out firearms and opened fire.
“can’t remember the last time we’ve had this many people shot at one time.”
Sheriff David Davis, Bibb County Sheriff’s Office
Hospital Lockdown and Patient Conditions Following the Macon Shooting
Emergency notifications alerted deputies that victims were arriving at a local medical facility in personal vehicles while officers were still responding to the park. The sudden influx of wounded teens, accompanied by large crowds of family and friends, prompted hospital staff to place the emergency room on lockdown and tape off the area.
Medical personnel treated 12 victims in total, consisting of 10 males and two females. Most of the injured were identified as students from area institutions, including Central High School and Northeast High School. Two of the victims—an 18-year-old male and a 17-year-old boy—were listed in critical condition, while the remaining victims were treated for stable conditions.
| Victim Age and Gender | Count | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| 17-year-old males | 5 | Four stable, one critical |
| 18-year-old males | 4 | Three stable, one critical |
| 18-year-old females | 2 | Stable |
| 19-year-old male | 1 | Stable |
Active Investigation and Search for Suspects in Bibb County
Investigators with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division are working to piece together the confrontation. Authorities have not yet identified any suspects or made any arrests in connection with the shooting. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting local authorities due to the large number of individuals involved, though Sheriff Davis noted that all evidence gathered so far points to a local dispute.
Deputies towed seven vehicles to the crime lab for forensic processing, including four cars that transported victims to the hospital and three left behind at the park. Investigators also brought 10 witnesses to the Criminal Investigation Division for formal interviews.
Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office or submit anonymous tips to Macon Regional Crime Stoppers.
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