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Wyoming carnival canceled after 2nd night of gunshots

Posted at 10:10 AM, Apr 16, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-16 10:10:40-04

WYOMING, Mich. — The Spring Carnival fundraising event has been canceled after a second straight evening of gun activity.

City officials chose to cancel the remainder of the carnival because of safety concerns.

The sights of the carnival rides being torn down was disappointing for people who planned to go this weekend. The beautiful weekend weather would have made it a great time to have fun.  With the carnival packing up early and leaving down, many are left upset over the cancellation.

“I think it sucks because kids are the ones who want to come here and have fun you know. I just think it sucks for the kids.” Said Alejandro Botello. “It’s frustrating because I was going to be with my girlfriend and have fun, but they’re closing it down.” That according to Alex Rodas.

But protecting the public is why the Wyoming city manager made the decision to cancel the carnival. “This is certainly a loss for the community, and we understand the disappointment of the families and individuals who were looking forward to enjoying the carnival. Also, it is a disappointing loss of proceeds from the carnival, which support Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance youth scholarships among other parks and recreation activities.” Said Curtis Holt, Wyoming City Manager.

At 9:40 p.m. Friday, Wyoming Department of Public Safety officers Screen Shot 2016-04-16 at 3.00.15 PMassigned to the Spring Carnival heard the sound of one gunshot comefrom the parking area south of the carnival, which began Thursday in the parking lot at the former Studio 28 theaters at 1350 28th St. SW. Immediately after hearing the shot, officers observed a suspicious vehicle leaving the lot. They stopped the vehicle and a subsequent investigation resulted in two guns being recovered.

Three people also were arrested on weapons charges.

No injuries were reported.

Wyoming detectives will present the case to the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office for authorization of charges.

This marked the second consecutive night that activity involving guns occurred in the area of the carnival. At 8:05 p.m. Thursday, Wyoming Public Safety learned that a gunshot victim with a non-life-threatening wound to the leg had been dropped off at Metro Health Hospital.

Wyoming detectives continue to investigate Thursday’s shooting incident, which they also believe took place near the Spring Carnival.

Police said witnesses in both cases continue to be uncooperative with investigators.

As a result of the two incidents, city of Wyoming officials announced that they have canceled the remainder of the carnival, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, for the safety of those who may have planned to attend.

CARNIVAL

Wyoming Department of Public Safety detectives continue with their investigation into both shooting incidents. Anyone with any information is being asked to contact Public Safety at (616) 530-7300 or Silent Observer at (616) 774-2345.