JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Two teenage boys were shot in an alley during the first Art Walk of 2017 in downtown Jacksonville on Wednesday night.
The 16- and 17-year-old boys are not cooperating with police after they were shot at North Laura and East Bay streets around 9:30 p.m.
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Officers found shell casings from several guns at the scene.
One of the shooting victims was shot in the leg and the other in the foot, a police report says.
The downtown Jacksonville Art Walk, which takes place on the first Wednesday of every month, was happening in the area at the time.
Jones said there were about a thousand people in the area who could have easily been innocent bystanders.
This is the first reported shooting since the Art Walk started 13 years ago.
JSO said the shooting was not a random act of violence. Officers believe the two victims were targeted by people they know.
#JSO is working two people shot in the 100 block of N. Laura Street. #JAX #Jacksonville
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) January 5, 2017
Action News Jax's Erica Bennett was at Art Walk. She said she heard the shots and saw dozens of people running:
Our nice night at ArtWalk just got ruined by gunfire and a running crowd. Smh. Do better Jacksonville!
— Erica Simon (@EricaOnABC13) January 5, 2017
It's supposed to be. This certainly doesn't help the push to bring people downtown. https://t.co/3HL0JsbKJP
— Erica Simon (@EricaOnABC13) January 5, 2017
JSO said there is no suspect information at this time. Police do not know if there were multiple shooters or how many shots were fired.
It is not yet known if the shooting is gang-related.
Police are working to get surveillance video from nearby businesses and are speaking with witnesses.
Officials with Downtown Vision, Inc. released a statement:
We at Downtown Vision are deeply troubled by the shooting that occurred after last night's Art Walk. We thank Jacksonville Sheriff's Office for its immediate and expert response to this unfortunate incident. Every month, we work closely with JSO on Art Walk, and they implement a number of detailed measures to keep everyone safe at the event.
"We believe that for the past 13 years since its inception, Art Walk has become a well-loved tradition. It is important to our Downtown and to our community, representing the very best of Jacksonville. Every month, Art Walk continues to bring us together in a positive and meaningful way, while supporting our Downtown and its businesses.
"We will continue to work closely with JSO to ensure the ongoing safety of everyone at Art Walk, and look forward to continuing this great Downtown event supporting creativity, diversity and peaceful expression as we work to create and support a more vibrant Downtown Jacksonville."
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Pretty sure it was young people behind the shooting (21 or under). That's mostly who was out here at the time.
— Erica Simon (@EricaOnABC13) January 5, 2017
Not sure about injuries. Keep everyone posted. https://t.co/Oa8Q0tt9zm
— Erica Simon (@EricaOnABC13) January 5, 2017
Scene at Laura and Adams. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/c9E5s422xu
— Erica Simon (@EricaOnABC13) January 5, 2017
Laura Street is blocked off between Adams and Forsyth. VIDEO: pic.twitter.com/QDKjnRfCpC
— Erica Simon (@EricaOnABC13) January 5, 2017
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