Rapid City police are investigating a homicide they say took place during a public summer gathering.
Around 10 p.m. Thursday, a teenage victim was shot near Memorial Park downtown following a “Summer Nights” concert. He later died as a result of those injuries at a hospital.
Lt. Chris Holbrook is a member of the RCPD criminal investigations division.
“Officers responded and did locate the male victim that apparently had some gunshot wounds," Holbrook said. "They administered first aid until medical arrived. Investigators have been working throughout the night and into today – continuing into the coming days to follow up on different leads we are getting.”
He said this was not a random act of violence.
“Through our witness statements we determined that this was possibly the result of a negative interaction that happened earlier in the evening between multiple groups of individuals," Holbrook said. "So, there is no concern at this time that this is random or that the community has any concerns.”
However, Holbrook couldn’t rule out the possibility of gang ties to the crime.
“That’s still yet to be determined," Holbrook said. "So, through the course of the investigation we’ll find out more about the involvements of people that have been mentioned throughout the investigation.”
No arrests have been made. Witnesses to the crime are encouraged to reach out to the police department with any information.