By John Dobberstein, Editor
The Tulsa Police Department is investigating after fights and gunfire broke out early Sunday morning near the Blue Dome District in downtown Tulsa that led to 1 death and several injuries.
At about 12:30 a.m., a large crowd gathered in downtown Tulsa near 2nd Street and Elgin Avenue, which began to turn volatile, police said. Although several officers were already on the scene, a call was made for additional officers to assist.
As officers responded a fight erupted within the crowd and multiple individuals began firing shots both into and out of the crowd.
According to TPD, one individual was observed by officers firing shots into the crowd while standing among others. Recognizing him as an ongoing threat, officers pursued him as he fled with a semi-automatic pistol in his hand. During the chase, one officer discharged their weapon, striking the individual.
Police said that while they were administering first aid to the injured suspect, gunfire continued in the crowd of people.
“Unbeknownst to the officers managing the first shooting incident, another individual with a semi-automatic pistol was positioned behind them. An officer from a different vantage point identified him as a continuing threat and discharged their weapon, striking this individual,” the department said Sunday.
Officers attempted to provide first aid to that individual but he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Police said at least 5 individuals had been shot by multiple suspects’ gunfire and the victims were transported to the hospital with varying degrees of injuries. “We suspect there may be additional victims, and a more detailed account will be available as the investigation progresses,” police said.
The TPD Crime Scene Unit recovered multiple firearms, spent casings and bullets from the scene. Gunfire from the suspects struck several buildings and police are working with business owners who discovered damage to their properties overnight.
The officers involved in the shootings have been placed on administrative leave in accordance with procedures. TPD said all evidence will be submitted to the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office for review.
If you were a witness or victim to this early morning incident, please contact the Tulsa Policer Department us at 918-596-9222.
This is the most recent of many shootings to occur on the north end of downtown in recent years. Last year, two women were injured by gunfire in the 200 block of North Greenwood Avenue, about 800 feet away from a large block party.
In 2023 a shooting occurred outside Fassler Hall at 3rd and Elgin that resulted in one injury. In 2022 a girl was killed when shots were fired into her car during a disagreement between two groups near the Center of the Universe area. Police made several arrests in that case.
And in 2021 there was an officer-involved shooting at 2nd and Elgin after a person leaving the scene of a bar fight hit a police car and then drove at an officer walking in the street. The motorist was hit by a single bullet and taken to the hospital.
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