Gunman shoots five teenagers at New Orleans birthday party

2011-03-13 15:23:34 GMT+7 (ICT)

NEW ORLEANS (BNO NEWS) -- Five teenagers were shot at a bar in the city of New Orleans on late Saturday evening when a gunman opened fire, police said on Sunday morning.

New Orleans spokeswoman Shereese Harper said the shooting happened just before 12 a.m. local time at the Jazzy Po-boys Restaurant & Bar, located at 1700 Port Street. A teenage birthday party was being held at the bar when it happened.

"According to investigators, Fifth District officers received a call of shots fired and upon their arrival, the officers located five victims inside of the bar suffering from gunshot wounds to their bodies," Harper said. Emergency medical technicians pronounced an 18-year-old male dead at the scene.

The four other victims, all minors, were transported to a local hospital where they are receiving treatment for their injuries. Harper said a 17-year-old female, a 15-year-old male, and a 14-year-old female were listed in a stable condition. A 16-year-old female is listed in critical condition.

"The preliminary investigation indicates that prior to the shooting the victims were attending a teenage party inside of the bar when the gunman apparently opened fire and subsequently fled from the bar," Harper said, adding that the deceased 18-year-old had a prior arrest for burglary and possession of stolen merchandise in 2008.

The identity of the gunman was not immediately known and Harper said investigators are gathering evidence. She called on citizens with information to contact authorities.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-03-13

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