GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — One person is dead and another is in critical condition after an overnight shootout in Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom said two officers were driving northbound on Division Avenue around 2:10 a.m. In the 1400 block, the officers saw an active gunfight in a large gathering of people.
The officers got out of their vehicle and one fired at a suspected shooter. Winstrom does not believe anyone was hit by the officer's gunfire.
One person, who was shot in the stomach, was taken to a hospital in critical condition. Another person was found dead at the scene.
Two handguns were recovered from the scene.
Winstrom said investigators have found many gun shell casings spanning several blocks, and that it is one of "the largest crime scenes in my entire career." He said it is believed that hundreds of people may have been in the area at the time of the shooting.
"It was utter chaos," Winstrom said.
Ciro Barias owns a business and lives across from where police had blocked off Division Ave for investigations.
"People running away from...the building or from the club. They're running, there was panic," said Barias.
He said he watched the events unfold on his security camera, which he showed to 13 On Your Side.
Barias said he first heard two to three gunshots, but then said few seconds later he heard over 20 more. He said hearing gunshots is common in the area, but this is the first time he said someone has died so close.
"It's a little scary, you know this is the first time we know somebody's dead and somebody is in the hospital," Barias said.
Some buildings and vehicles were hit by gunfire, including the garage at Barias' tire shop, as he showed 13 On Your Side the hole that was left by a bullet.
Police are now using drones to map out the scene, provide context to how large the crime scene is and document the extent of the damage.
There is not believed to be any threat to the public, Winstrom said. Police are now working to interview witnesses. Anyone who was at the scene is encouraged to contact GRPD or Silent Observer with any information about the shooting.
"We have a young man whose life was taken away from him," Winstrom said. "I'm sure he has a family that loves him very much and cares about him. His life was important. And we're going to need to find justice for him closure for his family."
One of the involved officers is now on administrative leave. Michigan State Police are handling the officer-involved shooting investigation.
Winstrom commended the involved officers' courage by exiting their vehicle in an active gunfight.
Division Avenue between Cottage Grove Street SE and Stevens Street SW is now open. Police still remain at the scene.
If you have information about this shooting, you're asked to contact GRPD detectives at 616-456-3380. Tips can be sent anonymously through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or www.silentobserver.org.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back later for updates.
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