Police investigating two shootings in Tacoma

TACOMA, Wash. — Tacoma residents are on alert after two shootings occurred Saturday, less than 12 hours apart.

Police were first called before 5:30 a.m. to investigate a shooting that left one dead at a gas station and then were called to investigate the second shooting after 3:30 p.m. in the Hilltop neighborhood.

In the first shooting, officers responded to the 5300 block of South Orchard Street after a 911 caller reported two men shooting at each other in a parking lot.

Additional 911 callers later reported that one of the men had been shot and the other had fled the scene.

Upon arriving at the scene, police found a 39-year-old man unresponsive on the ground. Tacoma Fire Department medics declared the man dead at the scene.

Detectives and crime scene technicians also responded and began to gather evidence and collect surveillance footage from nearby businesses.

The shooting is being investigated as a homicide.

“It’s getting to be unsafe for all of us,” said William Young, who lives down the street from Saturday’s shooting. “It’s sad that I’ve got all teenagers — 17-, 18-, and 19-year-olds. I don’t even want them out in the street right now.”

The second shooting occurred near People’s Park, which is located near the corner of South 10th and South L streets.

Police said a man was shot before 3:30 p.m.

He was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Police said no one has been arrested.

Anyone with information is asked to leave an anonymous tip by calling 800-222-TIPS.

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