Seventeen people were wounded when gunfire erupted in downtown Milwaukee, just hours after three people were shot a few blocks away, not far from where thousands had gathered to watch the Milwaukee Bucks play the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the NBA’s Eastern Conference semifinals.
The first shooting unfolded Friday at 9:21 p.m. CT near the Deer District, an entertainment district packed with bars and restaurants popular with fans looking to watch major sporting events.
The victims included two men, 26 and 29, and a 16-year-old girl, police said. All three are expected to survive their injuries.
“There was a 19-year-old male taken into custody in connection with this incident,” Milwaukee Police Capt. Warren Allen told CNN. “Charges are pending review by the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office.”
About two hours later, another 17 people were wounded in another shooting just a few blocks away from the first. The victims ranged in age from 15 to 47, Allen said. None of their injuries appeared to be life-threatening.
Police arrested a total of 10 people in connection with the second incident and nine firearms were recovered, WTMJ-TV reported.
Witnesses said the sound of gunfire set off some chaos, sending basketball fans running from bars and through the streets . While it’s unclear what exactly sparked the shooting, several people on the scene said a fight broke out at a bar following the basketball game.
Authorities have not said whether incidents were linked or if they involved those watching the NBA semifinals.
The Bucks lost to the Celtics on Friday night, 108-95, forcing a seventh game on Sunday. The winner will play Miami in the Eastern Conference finals.
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