Shooting Incident Leave Two With Life Treatening Injuries

Yakima Police officers responded to the Safeway store on N. 5^th Ave at about 7:30 last night after a report of shots fired. After arriving 2 18 year old victims were found shot in front of the store in the parking lot. Both men had been shot in the abdomen and torso area, and one of the male victims had also been shot in the lower leg. Both victims suffered life threatening injuries, but one was able to provide information to officers and was later released from the hospital after treatment. The second victim remains hospitalized with serious injuries. Police say the shooting happened during a fight behind the store.

The victims told officers, they were walking to the store when they were confronted by several subjects in a dark car who wanted to fight. Words were exchanged and one suspect produced a gun and shot several times at the victims who began to run through the parking lot.  The suspects yelled gang slurs during the incident. Both victims were hit by gunfire but continued to run to the front of the store for help and the suspects were last seen driving away westbound.

The suspects have not been identified at this point, and the gang unit and detectives are continuing the investigation.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Yakima Police Department.