PHOENIX (AP) — An exchange of gunfire between groups of people in a Phoenix park left three men dead, but dozens of other people escaped injury as approximately 20 shots were fired, authorities said Wednesday.
"We were fortunate that nobody else was hit," said Sgt. Trent Crump, a police spokesman.
The people killed in Tuesday night's shootout were in their 20s and included two brothers, he said. On Wednesday, investigators were working to determine who did what and whether others were involved.
The shooting occurred in a parking lot at Desert West Park and Sports Complex, on the city's west side. It followed an altercation of some sort, Crump said.
Authorities believe somebody removed at least one gun from the park after the shooting. A semi-automatic handgun was discovered next to one of the dead men, Crump said.
Investigators also found numerous bullet casings at the scene.
Dozens of people were at a nearby skateboard plaza and basketball courts, Crump said. The park has lighted courts and is open until 11 p.m.
Asked whether police were seeking suspects, Crump said investigators were trying to determine exactly who did the shooting.
Other than those killed, "the question becomes whether other individuals were involved," he said.
Two vehicles were seen leaving the shooting scene. Descriptions were not immediately available as police were still interviewing witnesses and trying to locate people who left the park, Crump said.
One of the three men died at the scene, while the two others were pronounced dead after being hospitalized. Their names were not released.
The park is near West Encanto Boulevard and North 67th Avenue.
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