POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – A night meant for community and sports took a violent turn on Sunday as two separate shootings unfolded within moments of each other, stretching local law enforcement thin and leaving at least two people injured.
Gunfire Erupts at Basketball Game in Hulme Park
Hundreds had gathered at Hulme Park, near the intersection of Church Street and Market Street, for a basketball game organized by community figure Skip Lee. The event quickly descended into chaos when multiple gunshots rang out in the vicinity of the park.
According to witnesses, panic swept through the crowd as attendees fled in all directions. Evidence of the shooting, including numerous shell casings, was found scattered across the roadway, sidewalk, and grassy areas of the park.
Amid the chaos, a female attendee was struck in the leg by a bullet. She was promptly transported to a local hospital for treatment. Authorities later confirmed that the basketball event did not have an official permit from the city, raising concerns about the lack of formal oversight and security measures.
Police Already Engaged with Another Shooting
Just before the Hulme Park incident, City of Poughkeepsie Police were responding to another shooting at the Rip Van Winkle tower on lower Main Street. In that case, a male victim had been shot in the buttocks and was also taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.
As officers were actively working the first scene, the call for the Hulme Park shooting came in. With resources already committed, the City of Poughkeepsie Police called in reinforcements from the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office to help manage the second crime scene.
Investigation Ongoing
Both shootings remain under active investigation. It has not been confirmed if the two incidents are related in any way. Law enforcement is urging anyone with information to come forward.
Tips can be submitted confidentially to the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department at 845-451-7577.
Leave a Reply