Eight people injured in Sunday morning shooting at party in Methuen

Eight people were injured, two seriously, in a mass shooting at a Methuen “auto club” meeting where hundreds had gathered early Sunday morning, officials said.

Seven people were shot and one was “seriously injured” when she fell while fleeing the scene, Methuen Police Chief Scott McNamara said at a news conference Sunday.

The victims, aged 17 to 23, were taken to local hospitals and “at least one” was airlifted, according to Essex County Prosecutor Paul Tucker. Two were in critical condition and five were in stable condition as of Sunday afternoon, Tucker said.

No arrests have been made and no suspects have yet been identified as of Sunday afternoon, McNamara said at the news conference. He noted that there are “strong leads” in the case.

Methuen police responded to the incident around 2 a.m. Sunday morning after receiving several 911 calls, McNamara said.

The shooting happened during what authorities called a “pop-up” party, organized via social media, at 100 Lindberg Ave. At the press conference, McNamara said it was a meeting of an “auto club,” and Tucker added that “hundreds” of people had gathered.

“When we look at the ballistic evidence that we recover, it's pretty amazing that more people weren't injured,” Tucker said.

The encounters typically include young people ages 16 to 20 listening to loud music, vaping, drinking and participating in disorderly conduct, McNamara said.

McNamara said that while car club meetings don't typically escalate into this type of violence, police have worked to quell them by citing attendees for trespassing and other violations. Police tried to prevent these parties “in the first place” by monitoring social media and “hot spots” for meetings, he said.

“Unfortunately, where the meeting took place last night, we have never had a meeting in this type of area,” McNamara said.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing by state police and Methuen police. Anyone with information is asked to report an anonymous tip by calling 978-983-8794.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic events of last night,” McNamara said in a statement. “These acts of senseless violence do not represent the values ​​of the Methuen community. »

“We are actively following all leads in this case,” Tucker said in a statement. “We understand the horrific impact this violence has had on the victims and their families, and we will dedicate all resources necessary to bring those responsible to justice. »

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