Saturday, March 9, 2013

Wichita Police are investigating two separate fights that appear to be gang-related.

The first happened at McAdams Park near 13th and I-135 at around 12:00 a.m. Saturday. Witnesses reported seeing several men in the parking lot fighting and also hearing gunshots.

Sgt. Bruce Watts said no serious injuries were reported and no shooting victims turned up at area hospitals. Watts says all of those involved were teenagers and police are still looking for two suspects.

The second incident happened around 1:30 a.m. in the 1400 block of N. Bluff. In that incident, a 17 year-old boy was severely beaten.

Sgt. Watts says the teen was taken by private vehicle to Wesley Medical Center, where he was admitted in critical condition.

One of the vehicles involved was stopped by police a gun recovered from the back seat. Police are looking for five suspects who are still outstanding.

Police believe the fights are related. Sgt. Watts says threats were made earlier in the week and police increased their presence around Southeast High School.

However, Watts could not say if those threats were connected to the incidents at McAdams Park and on North Bluff.