PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Authorities have confirmed that three teenage boys were the victims of a shooting in Bush’s Pasture Park in Salem that left one dead and two injured Thursday afternoon.
Salem Police had closed the entrance to the park on Lefelle Street to search the area for more than six hours after they say “gunfire erupted” in the area of two large groups of teenagers around 1:45 p.m.
When police arrived, they found three teens with gunshot wounds. Despite officers’ efforts, 16-year-old Jose Vasquez-Valenzuela died at the scene. The other two boys – Damien Esquivel-Soto, 15, and another 16-year-old – survived the shooting and were taken to the hospital.
The two boys are still hospitalized as of Friday, March 8.
Despite an extensive search, police did not make any arrests. However, investigators say this was a targeted shooting involving people who knew each other.
“Right now, we are focused solely upon solving this crime, holding the perpetrator(s) accountable, and bringing justice to these victims and their families,” Police Chief Trevor Womack said.
South Salem High School went into lockdown Thursday afternoon while officials searched the park nearby.
In an email to parents, school officials said the school would “remain in a heightened level of security until further notice.”
Authorities said police will be in the area and nearby schools Friday, with extra support offered to students at the high school.
“We will, though, have to continue our work with the community to develop an effective intervention and prevention strategy for this intolerable level of violence,” Womack said.
Stay with KOIN 6 as this story develops.
