Shooting Incident Report

On May 5, 2024, at approximately 9:45 PM, a shooting incident occurred outside the Maple Grove Community Center located at 1123 Jefferson Avenue, Springfield, SP. The incident involved two individuals, later identified as Derek Johnson and Marcus Lee, who exchanged gunfire following a verbal altercation in the parking lot of the community center.

Springfield Police Department received multiple 911 calls from witnesses at the scene, and officers were dispatched immediately. Upon arrival, law enforcement found Derek Johnson with a gunshot wound to his left shoulder and Marcus Lee with a wound in his thigh. Both individuals were conscious and received immediate medical attention from responding paramedics before being transported to Springfield General Hospital for treatment. Their injuries were determined to be non-life-threatening.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the altercation began inside the community center during a public event and escalated once both parties were in the parking lot. Several eyewitnesses provided consistent accounts of the events leading up to the shooting. Security footage from the community center’s cameras, capturing both the verbal dispute and the subsequent shooting, was secured as evidence.

Two handguns were recovered at the scene and taken into custody for forensic analysis. The area was cordoned off for several hours as investigators collected evidence, including shell casings and personal belongings.

Both Derek Johnson and Marcus Lee were placed under arrest for their involvement in the shooting, pending further investigation. Charges of aggravated assault and illegal possession of firearms are being considered by the Springfield District Attorney’s office.

The Springfield Police Department is actively investigating the incident and has called for any additional witnesses to come forward. A community outreach program has been scheduled to address public safety concerns and to provide support for those affected by the incident.

This report will be updated as more information becomes available. The Springfield Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and security of its residents and will take all necessary measures to bring those responsible to justice.