3 people injured at kids' birthday party in southwest Fresno after drive-by shooting
The shooting occurred at 9 p.m. at Kern Street and Collins Ave outside an apartment complex.
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A 4-year-old's birthday party ended in a drive-by shooting in southwest Fresno on Wednesday night.
Three adults were hit after several rounds fired were fired by the suspects driving past the housing complex at Kern Street near Collins at about 9 p.m.
Fresno Police are trying to figure out who targeted the crowd of innocent people.
People who were at the party said they didn't even get to sing happy birthday yet.
About 30 kids were at the gathering when the suspects pulled up and opened fire.
At first, some adults thought it was fireworks - until they heard the gunman yelling.
The Shot Spotter system notified officers of 15 rounds fired in the neighborhood.
Witnesses said a passenger in one of the two cars was the gunman who repeatedly fired as the suspects passed through the area.
Officers say it's a miracle no children were hit since many at the party were under 10 years old.
"On scene, there was a large water bounce house. Kids were outside playing, and inside," said Fresno Police Sgt. Brian Valles.
The scene was chaotic when officers arrived with shooting victims being helped by others.
Investigators have not been able to determine a motive, and it appears the adults attending the party do not have any gang ties. Police confirmed the suspects did holler an expletive and gang name as shots were fired into a crowd.
"Based on witness statements that were taken at the scene, it appears the suspects who were actually involved in the shooting are gang-affiliated," said Sgt. Valles.
The three victims, who relatives say were shot in the leg, back and grazed in the head, are all expected to survive.
Detectives searched the neighborhood Thursday for any surveillance video to help them identify the cars used in the brazen crime.
Officers are still trying to find anyone who may have seen the suspects speeding away from the scene.
For now, the gang enforcement team is going to be keeping close watch over the area, along with other specialty units.
Regular patrols will also be stepped up.
