DELRAY BEACH, Fla. — Delray Beach police are searching for a gunman after two people were shot and killed at an Independence Day block party, authorities said.
Police said the shooting happened late Monday night in the area of Southwest 2nd Street and Southwest 3rd Avenue, a couple blocks south of Atlantic Avenue, near the famous Sundy House.
Witnesses said they were gathered for an Independence Day block party when shots rang out, striking two men and several cars.
According to police, one victim died at the scene and another died at the hospital early Tuesday morning.
Exclusive video from WPTV Chopper 5 showed at least a dozen evidence markers on the ground, along with crime scene tape surrounding several vehicles that were hit by gunfire.
WATCH: Chopper 5 video of Delray Beach shooting scene
Police said hundreds of people were at the party but they scattered and ran from the scene, making it harder for investigators to find witnesses.
"As soon as the gunshots started going off, you could tell they went off with rapid secession, they were not fireworks," said resident Jordan Tahabsim. "They have a piercing sound that fireworks don’t have. And immediately, me and my roommate ran to our fence."
Police said that, despite the shooter being at-large, there is no threat to the community and this is an isolated incident.
On Monday afternoon, at least half a dozen cars were towed away to be examined for further evidence.
Police said this is the first deadly shooting of the year after a downward trend in gun violence. But Tahabsim said the sound of gunfire in the neighborhood has become familiar.
"It regularly happens in this neighborhood, but no one says anything. I guess someone took it too far," Tahabsim said.
If you have any information that can help detectives, call Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County at 1-800-458-TIPS.
