Three people were wounded in a shooting near the basketball courts at Doolittle Park on the city's historic Westside on Saturday evening, May 2, according to Las Vegas police. Gunfire erupted near the outdoor courts at the Doolittle Complex, sending players and families scrambling from the scene. Witnesses described chaos on what had been a typical weekend outing, but no fatalities were reported. Authorities said all three victims suffered injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department told KSNV that officers arriving at the park found one person with a gunshot wound, while two other victims took themselves to nearby hospitals for treatment. Police described all three wounds as non-life-threatening and said detectives are treating the incident as an active shooting investigation. KSNV reported that investigators had not released any suspect description or possible motive.
Where The Gunfire Erupted
The shooting took place at the Doolittle Complex on West Lake Mead Boulevard, a longtime neighborhood hub that includes Kianga Isoke Palacio Park and the Doolittle Community Center. According to the City of Las Vegas, Kianga Isoke Palacio Park is located at 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd., and the Doolittle Community Center lists its address as 1950 N. J St. The complex features outdoor basketball courts, baseball fields and indoor gym space that hosts youth leagues and after-school programs most evenings.
Shaq Courts, Upgrades And Youth Programs
The Doolittle courts were part of a high-profile refurbishment through the Shaquille O'Neal Icy Hot “Shaq Courts” program that reopened the courts to the public with upgraded lighting and new surfacing. Local coverage of the ribbon-cutting highlighted a roughly $200,000 donation and city support meant to create safer, well‑maintained recreation space for local youth, according to KTNV. The improvements helped turn the complex into a regular destination for pick-up games and organized youth events.
Police Response And The Ongoing Probe
Investigators canvassed the surrounding area and began reviewing surveillance and cellphone video, police told reporters, in an effort to piece together what happened before the shots were fired. No suspect information has been made public, and the department has not announced any arrests. Detectives said the case remains an active investigation, as reported by KSNV. Authorities have asked anyone with video or tips to contact investigators.
Past Violence And Ongoing Safety Concerns
Although the Doolittle Complex is a central gathering place for the neighborhood, it has seen gun violence before. In 2013, a man was wounded in a shooting near the park's courts, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. That history has kept safety and programming on the agenda for local residents and officials, fueling calls for more youth activities, better lighting and additional outreach. Saturday's shooting has once again sharpened those concerns for families who rely on the complex.
The investigation is ongoing, and Las Vegas police say they plan to release more information as it becomes available. Hoodline will update this story when authorities provide new details or identify any suspects.
