READING, Pa. – A shooting at a rec center in Reading left a child and a man hurt and police are looking for the person who opened fire.
“The reaction of one individual brought ruckus to that event and tarnished what should have been something positive,” said Reading Mayor Eddie Moran.
Police remained on scene one day after a shooting at the 3rd and Spruce Recreation Center.
The shooting happened Sunday night around 6:30, when officials say the center had been rented out for a private, adult basketball tournament not run by the city.
“That was rented by an individual who provided the proper permits, payment and insurance waivers to have the event,” said Daphne Klahr, executive director of Reading Recreation Commission.
Police say a 12-year-old boy and 23-year-old man suffered gunshot wounds. The victims were taken to the hospital before officers arrived. Both are expected to survive.
“Are actively reviewing all available video footage to identify individuals who were present at the scene,” said Reading Police Chief Javier Ruiz.
Moran says rumors spread on social media about what happened.
“Unfortunately, today’s world and age with social media, incorrect information gets put out, incorrect blame gets put out,” Moran said.
He and other city officials say there is no place for violence in Reading.
“In our after-school programs and in our programs that involve youth, weapons are not permitted in our buildings,” said Klahr. “For a private event that is renting in a city building, it is not as clear because you do have the constitutional right to carry a weapon legally into a city building.”
No arrests have been made at this time. If you have any information, call RPD or Crime Alert Berks.