An early Sunday morning block party in Oak Ridge's Scarboro neighborhood turned tragic following a shooting incident along S. Benedict Avenue that left multiple people injured, according to a WVLT report. Officials estimated that hundreds were in attendance at the event, with many visitors coming from Knoxville.
Victims of the shooting are currently receiving medical treatment at various area hospitals, and while the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), alongside local law enforcement agencies, are assisting in a large-scale evidence collection effort details around the number of injured and the search for potential suspects have not been disclosed, this incident marks a significant disruption in an otherwise peaceful gathering, per the same WVLT report.
According to a statement given by District Attorney General Dave Clark and obtained by WBIR, "This is an active crime scene and we are at the very beginning of the investigative process. Everyone is working together to treat the injured and gather evidence of what happened and what persons may be responsible." Clark further expressed his thoughts and assured the community that the police have control over the crime scene and that he has "great confidence in the team working on this investigation."
The severity of the injuries and the identities of those involved remain unconfirmed as agencies including the Oak Ridge Police Department, Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, and Anderson County Emergency Medical Services continue their respective emergency responses and probes into the incident the event shattered a peaceful celebration unfolding within a tight-knit community and the DA’s office has requested the community to stay informed but patient as authorities delve into the matter, based on details from a WATE article.
