COLUMBUS, Ga. — Nine juveniles, including a 5-year-old child, were wounded Friday night at a gas station in western Georgia, authorities said.
According to a news release by the Columbus Police Department, the juveniles were shot at a Shell gasoline station in Columbus at about 10:11 p.m. CST.
Their ages ranged from 17 years old to 5 years old, police said. Seven males and two females were wounded.
Both females were 13, WSB-TV reported. One male was 17 and two were 15. The other ages for the males were 14, 13, 12 and 5, according to the television station.
During a news conference on Saturday afternoon, Columbus police Chief Freddie Blackmon said none of the victims had received injuries that were considered to be life-threatening.
Blackmon added that the shooting stemmed from an altercation that occurred at a party near the gas station, WRBL-TV reported.
“We are committed to ensure that we find the person or persons responsible for this senseless crime,” Blackmon said. “As I always say, it takes an entire community to combat gun violence in our city -- especially when it involves children.”
Blackmon added that officers have spoken with several witnesses at the scene of the shooting, WRBL reported. Some of the witnesses cooperated, the chief said, while others did not. The chief added that some of the victims’ parents were at gas station.
Blackmon said the investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been made.
“This incident will not be tolerated,” Blackmon said. “Incidents of this type will not be tolerated.
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