23 August,2016 08:16 AM IST | | Agencies
100 partygoers were in attendance when gunshots rang out; most victims were between 18-24 and shot in their legs
Bridgeport (US): A shooting at a crowded house party has left 13 people wounded, and police in Connecticut are investigating what they said is an unusual outburst of violence in the state's largest city.
The scene of the shooting where the house party was underway
Bridgeport police believe two shooters opened fire on about 100 party-goers from behind some hedges surrounding the home's backyard. It happened at around 1.30 am Sunday. Responding officers discovered what authorities called a chaotic scene. The party was so crowded that some people believed the gunshots were fireworks, Captain Brian Fitzgerald said.
The police has stepped up patrols in the area and is gathering information from witnesses and from the victims. However, a motive has not been identified as yet and the police is investigating whether the suspects were party-goers, Fitzgerald said.
"We are going to have an arrest in the very near future," Chief Armando J Perez said.
Most of the victims were shot in the legs. None of the injuries is considered life threatening, but one woman was in a critical condition with injuries to her face and jaw, according to authorities.
Police said the victims ranged in age from about 18 to 24. The people who threw the party have not yet been identified. They had requested a permit ahead of the gathering because they wanted to sell alcohol, but it was denied, according to Fitzgerald. He added that the police believes they charged for alcohol anyway and may face criminal charges.
