2 days ago
Shots fired outside Lawrence apartments; police looking for suspect
LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Lawrence Police Department is asking for the public's help after they say a person fired a gun outside an apartment complex, sending many people running for safety.
It happened over the weekend at The Connection, near W. 31st Street and Ousdahl Road.
A woman who lives at The Connection tells FOX4 she woke up to gunfire and heard more than a dozen rounds right outside her apartment.
'It's kind of a very shocking feeling to be like in your home and hear something like that,' Sophia Tenrreiro said.
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Tenrreiro has lived at The Connection for the last three years and never heard gunshots there until early Saturday morning.
'It's very kind of unnerving to know that it actually happened within this gated community,' Helenna Shcherbinin said, who also lives at the apartment complex, said.
Lawrence police are asking for help in finding the person who fired a gun outside the apartments. Police said it happened just after 12:30 a.m.
Detective Evan Curtis said there were dozens of people at a party at the apartment complex. Witnesses told officers after a fight inside an apartment unit, people moved outside to the parking lot and continued the argument. That's when someone pulled a gun.
'At some point, out in the parking lot area, one of the possibly involved subjects pulled a firearm and starting firing back at the apartment complex,' Curtis said.
Officers found more than a dozen shell casings. Police said nobody was hurt, however gunfire hit at least one vehicle.
'With the large amount of people at the party and outside, it was a very high likelihood that somebody could've been hit or killed,' Curtis said. 'Luckily at this time, we only note there was only a car that was struck, and no individuals.'
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The Connection sent a statement to FOX4 saying 'We are aware that local police were called to investigate an incident of a firearm being discharged on June 7th in a parking area of The Connection Lawrence property. We are pleased to note that there were no apparent injuries and minimal damage. The safety of our residents is our highest priority, and we will respond as appropriate based on the outcome of the police investigation.'
Police said there were several witnesses and many ran for their own safety after hearing gunfire.
The suspect has been described as a Black man between 5'5″ and 5'8″ with a thin build. Witnesses also told detectives he was wearing dark clothing and carrying a red back pack.
'The suspect used a very unique style handgun, which I think would stand out to anyone who may be aware or families with the individual involved,' Curtis added.
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If you have any information, call Lawrence police dispatch at (785) 843-0250 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 843-8477. Police said tips leading to an arrest could be eligible for a reward and you can choose to remain anonymous.
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