12 Teenagers Injured in Shooting at Birthday Party in Georgia

Twelve teenagers were injured in a shooting during a birthday celebration at a park in Macon, Georgia, after two groups exchanged gunfire, local Sheriff David Davis said Sunday.

The shooting took place shortly after midnight at Carolyn Crayton Park, where a group of young people had gathered to celebrate the 18th birthday of a young woman.

According to the sheriff, a birthday party had been held at a rented house several hours earlier. The group was asked to leave the house and later moved to the park. Another group arrived at the park, and an argument broke out between the two groups.

The confrontation escalated when members of both groups pulled out firearms and opened fire at each other. Surveillance footage from the park showed the shooting continuing for about 30 seconds as people ran from the scene.

The injured teenagers were taken to a nearby hospital in private vehicles.

The victims included one 19-year-old, four 18-year-olds, five 17-year-olds and two 18-year-old young women.

Two of the victims were in critical condition, while the others were reported to be in stable condition, authorities said.

Sheriff Davis said there was no evidence so far that any of the injured individuals had participated in the shooting.

No arrests were made immediately, but police have identified several people as suspects. Investigators seized four vehicles used to transport the injured to the hospital, as well as three other vehicles left at the park.

Authorities also interviewed 10 witnesses as part of the investigation.

The sheriff said police presence would be increased in several areas over the coming days as investigators work to identify and arrest those involved in the shooting.