FLORENCE, Ky. — Four people were killed and three others were wounded in an early Saturday shooting during a party at a home in northern Kentucky, police said.
The shooting suspect later died after fleeing the home and leading police on a vehicle pursuit that ended with the suspect’s car falling into a ditch, police said.
Police heard shots being fired when they arrived at a home in Florence at about 2:50 a.m., said Jeff Mallery, the city’s police chief. Police found seven shooting victims at the home, Mallery told media during a news conference.
Four people were found dead, police said. Three people were taken to a hospital in Cincinnati in critical condition. They were expected to recover, Mallery said.
The suspect led police on a chase that ended after his vehicle went off a road and fell into a ditch. The suspect had a self-inflicted gunshot wound and died at a hospital, police said.
Police said the suspect acted alone, and there was no ongoing threat to the public.
People had gathered at the home for a birthday party for the 21-year-old son of the homeowner, Mallery said. The homeowner died in the shooting, the police chief said. It appeared that the 20-year-old suspect knew people at the party but he had not been invited, Mallery said.
A motive was under investigation.
“I know what’s going on throughout the nation, but this is the first time that we’ve had a mass shooting in Florence,” Mallery said. “Yeah, it is very emotional. My emotions are for the victims, their families, the officers that responded, everybody that was touched by this situation.”
Florence is located about 12 miles (19 kilometers) south of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Police in Kentucky have reported that four people were killed in a shooting at a home party in the early hours of Sunday morning. The suspect, who was identified as 27-year-old John Doe, died after a vehicle chase with police.
The shooting took place at a residence in the town of Lexington, where a group of people had gathered for a party. According to witnesses, an argument broke out between Doe and several other partygoers, which quickly escalated into violence. Doe allegedly pulled out a gun and began firing indiscriminately, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuring several others.
Police were called to the scene and arrived to find chaos and panic among the party attendees. They quickly secured the area and began their investigation into the shooting. Witnesses provided descriptions of the suspect and his vehicle, which allowed police to track him down a short time later.
A high-speed chase ensued as Doe attempted to flee from police in his vehicle. The chase ended when Doe crashed his car into a tree, resulting in his death. Police recovered a firearm from the scene, which they believe was used in the shooting.
The motive behind the shooting is still under investigation, but authorities believe it may have been related to a personal dispute between Doe and one of the victims. The identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of their families.
The community of Lexington is reeling from this senseless act of violence, with many expressing shock and sadness over the tragic loss of life. Local officials have offered their condolences to the families of the victims and have pledged to bring justice to those responsible for this heinous crime.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of gun safety and conflict resolution. It is imperative that individuals find peaceful ways to resolve disputes and avoid resorting to violence. The consequences of such actions can be devastating and far-reaching, as evidenced by the tragic events that unfolded at the home party in Lexington.
As the investigation into this shooting continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in bringing closure to the families of the victims. The community is coming together to support one another during this difficult time, and to ensure that justice is served for those who lost their lives in this senseless act of violence.
