Police investigate pair of shootings in Ithaca on Monday
Police are investigating a pair of shootings that happened in the city of Ithaca hours apart on Monday. The shootings come days after police and city officials said they would be stepping up patrol efforts to crack down on violent crimes.
The first shooting happened on Monday, October 18 around 5:47 p.m. in the area of Washington Park. While officers were on the way- the 911 Center was provided information that a dark color BMW was being chased by a light color pickup truck. The caller stated that the two vehicles were exchanging gunfire.
The vehicles continued west through the city and eventually proceeded onto Hector Street where the pickup truck crashed into the BMW forcing some off the roadway.
Police said the light colored pickup truck then fled the area via Fallview Terrace. It was reported that the occupants of the BMW also fled westbound on Hector Street on foot.
Evidence of the shooting was located at the scene of the crash on Hector Street and also on West State and West Seneca streets. There are currently no known injuries from the shooting.
Police said the incident spanned several City blocks during rush hour traffic, causing a high influx of calls to the Tompkins County 911 Center. Police added that some of those calls may have gone unanswered. “It is believed that many motorists and pedestrians likely witnessed pars of this incident,” police said in a news released. “if you believe you witnessed any part of this incident or have information to assist in the investigation you’re encouraged to contact IPD as soon as possible.”
Then, just a few hours later – police were responding to another shooting.
On Monday around 10:25 p.m. police responded to the area of Hancock and First streets after several 911 calls were received reporting multiple gunshots.
Officers responded to the scene and located multiple spent shell casings in the intersection of Hancock and First, according to a news release. Police found more evidence of a shooting located in the area. That evidence included broken glass and bullet fragments.
The vehicles parked in the immediate area didn’t appear to be damaged, so there is likely an involved vehicle that fled the scene with window damage, police said.
At this point, police are uncertain if the two incidents are related. Anyone with surveilance footage from the immediate area is asked to contact law enforcement.
Tips to help either investigation can be called in to (607) 272-3245.
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