Witnesses Of Gang-Related Burnsville Shooting Are 'Reluctant'

BURNSVILLE, MN — Burnsville police say some witnesses have been "reluctant" to come forward with information about the Red Oak Park shooting that left five teenagers injured on Aug. 30.

Investigators have so far interviewed more than 50 people, and police now believe the violence was gang-related and that shooters targeted specific individuals on the basketball court.

"Since this reckless shooting happened, our detectives and partner agencies have worked diligently to find those responsible and bring them to justice," Burnsville Police Chief Tanya Schwartz said in a statement.

"The investigation continues to move forward and evidence continues to be gathered from a variety of sources. We know members of the public have additional information that could assist this investigation and we need them to come forward."

At about 8:15 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30, Burnsville police responded to 911 calls of shots fired at Red Oak Park.

Officers found four shooting victims, three of who were hospitalized while the fourth was treated and released at the scene. A fifth victim showed up at the hospital from a private vehicle, police said.

Some suspects at the scene fled when police arrived, authorities said.

The ages of the shooting victims are 16, 17, 18, 18 and 19.

Burnsville police are now urging anyone who was at the basketball court during the shooting but fled before officers arrived to come forward with any information they may have.

Two of the shooting victims have been released from the hospital, while a third remains in rehabilitation at Hennepin County Medical Center.

The condition of the fourth hospitalized victim is unknown.

Authorities continue to appeal to the public for assistance in solving the case.

Those with any information, including surveillance footage, are encouraged to contact Burnsville Detective Mitch Carlson at (952) 641-1156.

Police said they continue to provide extra patrols in the Red Oak Park area.