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Dallas Police news conference on Deep Ellum Halloween shootings
Four people were killed and approximately 15 others injured during three separate shootings across the Deep Ellum entertainment district in the early hours of Sunday morning following Halloween festivities, according to the Dallas Police Department.
DALLAS - Four people were killed and approximately 15 others were injured in three separate shootings in Dallas’ Deep Ellum entertainment district early Sunday following Halloween celebrations, according to police.
The shootings occurred within about 75 minutes and involved three crime scenes located blocks apart, police said.
Deep Ellum Halloween Shootings
What we know:
Preliminary investigation determined that the first shooting happened at about 12:20 a.m. in the 2600 block of Elm Street, followed by a second shooting at about 1:05 a.m. in the 2600 block of Main Street. A third shooting was reported at about 1:35 a.m. in the 200 block of South Crowdus Street.
Dallas police Chief Daniel Comeaux said the number of injured victims could change because some people took themselves to local hospitals.
"Right now, in total, we have four people that are deceased from three separate scenes, and we have approximately 15 others that have been injured," Comeaux said. He noted that the injury toll remains fluid as several victims self-transported to local hospitals following the violence.
Police said officers heard gunfire multiple times as they responded to the shootings. Video from the area showed large crowds and officers moving into the area as the violence unfolded.
Extra officers had been assigned to Deep Ellum because of anticipated Halloween crowds. In one instance, officers who were less than two blocks away ran toward the sound of gunfire and performed life-saving measures at the scene, reviving at least one injured victim, according to Comeaux.
"We were fully staffed out here," Comeaux said. "We looked at the plan. We knew it was Saturday night. We knew it was Halloween, so we were staffed properly."
Police said they have made arrests and are interviewing several people while investigators work to determine whether the shootings are connected.
At this time, police said they have no evidence indicating the three shootings are related.
What's next:
Investigators plan to conduct door-to-door canvasses of businesses in the area while collecting surveillance video and reviewing footage from nearby cameras.
Police are asking anyone with photos, videos or social media clips from Deep Ellum during the shootings to share them with investigators.
Crime scenes were expected to remain active Sunday as evidence technicians gathered shell casings and processed the areas.
What you can do:
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt. Boz Rojas, #10379, at (214) 671-3598 or at boz.rojas@dallaspolice.gov.
What they're saying:
Statement from Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson regarding Deep Ellum Shootings
"While we are still working to understand what motivated these incidents, this kind of violence is always unacceptable in our city. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and everyone affected by these heinous shootings, and my full support lies with the Dallas Police Department as it investigates this incident and works to bring those responsible to justice. Public safety must always remain our top priority and we must continue to explore strategies to ensure that Deep Ellum can be a safe gathering place in our city."
A Statement from Kimberly Bizor Tolbert regarding Deep Ellum Shootings
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families following the tragic overnight shootings in Deep Ellum. Dallas Police officers were on the ground and able to respond immediately. Dallas Police will continue to investigate this incident and work to bring those responsible to justice. We will share additional information as it becomes available.
Statement from Deep Ellum Foundation
"Today we are devastated. Today we are focused on the victims and their families. Today we are focused on our community. We are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and children first and before anything. This is unacceptable."
"We will hold community listening sessions this week. Our community engagers are working to connect with grieving families. At the sessions, we will be joined by Amplified Minds, who are a resource for anyone who finds themselves in need of support. They also have a session at 2 pm today. Follow the link.
The Source: Information in this article comes from the Dallas Police Department.