2 dead after argument leads to shooting at bus stop in Parkland

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Officer is investigating a double homicide right outside of an elementary school.  The shooting happened at a bus stop on South 112th Street and 12th Avenue South in Parkland, across the street from James Sales Elementary. Students weren’t in the building yet, but teachers and staff were. They were put on a 45-minute lockdown. 

Nye-Nye Lee, who lives nearby says she heard the gunshots.

“It literally was like pop, pop, pop, pop, pop, and then pop pop,” said Nye-Nye.

Nye-Nye said she immediately knew what she heard was gunshots and hunkered down until the shootings stopped.

“So, I came outside and hear the school lockdown. It was just like ‘lockdown, lockdown’,” Nye-Nye said.

The shooting happening so close to not just her home, but to an elementary school is even more concerning.

“Keep your kids close. Keep them safe, don’t let them walk down the streets by themselves no matter if you can see them or not because you never know what’s going to happen. This literally happened in broad daylight,” said Nye-Nye.

Pierce County investigators said the two victims are two men in their late teens to early twenties. Police said at this time the victims are their only suspects. Prior to the shooting, investigators said the men argued.

“We don’t know exactly what that fight was about,” said Sgt. Darren Moss. “Right now, it just sounds like it was an argument over nothing which led to both of them being dead now.”

Sgt. Moss said witnesses at the bus stop saw the shooting. They ran as bullets flew. Police did catch up with the witnesses to interview them. 

Residents hope police get a handle on the violence before school is back in session.

“It’s uncomfortable, definitely uncomfortable because we’re residents around here we live here you want to feel safe,” Nye-Nye said. “Especially because this is a school where the kids are so it’s like what can we do to change it?”

Pierce County investigators are working to learn who the two men are. They’re also looking into whether or not this was gang-related.

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