Four teenagers were shot Friday night at the annual Concord Christmas tree lighting ceremony, police said.
Three of the teens remained in critical condition, according to an update by the city of Concord early Saturday.
The shooting involved two teens who knew each other, Concord Police Chief Jimmy Hughes said in the statement. “The shooting … was not a random act of violence directed at the public,” according to the statement.
“Police have accounted for all parties involved,” Hughes said.
Gunfire erupted around 7:30 p.m. at Union Street South near Corban Avenue. The shooting ended the event, with video posted on social media showing scores of people running or walking hurriedly away. Screams could be heard.
“Oh my god they’re shooting at each other,” a person in a nearby highrise housing community said in a video posted on social media. The video showed the crowd on the street scurrying from the event and at least one person who appeared unconscious on the ground.
“A night of celebration for our community was interrupted by senseless violence, affecting everyone who was there,” Hughes said.
Thanks to the public, first responders and merchants, Hughes said police “were able to quickly evacuate the area, prevent additional injuries, and identify all suspects involved.”
Police issue warrants in shooting
According to the city of Concord statement, police identified those involved in the shooting as:
• Nasir Ahmad Bostic, 18, of Concord, who was in critical condition. Police issued warrants against Bostic for assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill, and inciting a riot. Police will serve the warrants when Bostic is released from the hospital, Hughes said.
• A teenager whose age wasn’t released because the teen isn’t of adult age. The teen, who also is in critical condition, will face charges in juvenile court of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill, inciting a riot and two counts of discharging into an occupied property inflicting serious injury.
• Keyvyonn Rayshaund Bostic, 17, of Concord. He was uninjured and was apprehended shortly after the shooting incident, Hughes said. He is charged as an adult with accessory after the fact and inciting a riot, according to the statement.
Two other 17-year-olds were shot and hospitalized, Hughes said. One was treated and released, and the other was in critical condition, the chief said.
The Concord Police Department asked the public to submit videos or photos from the area of the shooting via Concordpdnc.evidence.com.
The 97th Concord Christmas Parade will go on as planned at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, and the Santa Scramble 5K will continue as scheduled, Mayor Bill Dusch said just before 8:30 a.m.
“We are a resilient community and will not let the senseless actions of a few individuals steal another tradition from us,” Dusch said in a statement. “Some families may choose to stay home, and we understand and respect their decision.
“We also know that many find comfort, harmony, and healing in community, and our parade has provided that for our City for nearly a century,” he said.
Staff Writer Mark S. Price contributed.
This story will be updated.
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