Officer witnesses drive-by shooting that injures six

By Bryan Dean

Published: June 1, 2008

Six people were injured, four critically, in a drive-by shooting at 603 SE 21 on Saturday, police said.

About 11 p.m., an Oklahoma City gang patrol officer was driving through the area when he heard gunshots and witnessed the shooting, said police Lt. Don Holland.

Three suspects were caught after the officer chased down their car, Holland said. One of the suspects bailed out of the car holding a .45 caliber pistol and was hit by the officer's patrol car.

The other suspects were caught after a canine unit was brought in, Holland said. One suffered dog bites.

Neighbors said a group of teenagers was drinking and smoking outside the SE 21 house when the shooting occurred.

Neighbor Mary Young said she saw a police car driving up with its spotlight shining when she heard the gunshots.

"I thought it was fireworks," Young said.

A woman who claimed to live at the house said she was there with her four daughters, the youngest of whom is 14.

"We don't know what happened," said the woman, who didn't want her name published. "They haven't told us nothing. I just showed up, and all these cops were in front of my house."

Police did not release the names or ages of the suspects or victims. All six were taken to local hospitals.

Holland said it's rare for officers to witness drive-by shootings.

"That's being at the right place at the right time," Holland said.

Police aren't sure if the shooting was gang-related, he said.

Neighbor Jacob Shatswell said there is frequent gang activity in the area.

"Last month, someone got shot right here," Shatswell said, pointing at a house across the street from Saturday's shooting. "There's always gunshots around here."

Police are in the early stages of the investigation, Holland said.