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Pick-Up Football Game Turns Violent, Shots Fired

Posted at 4:31 PM, Feb 15, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-15 18:21:18-05

An argument during a pick-up football game led to gunshots being fired in a quiet Murfreesboro neighborhood.

The shots were fired in a very public place, and police have been asking for the public's help.

At least two gunmen pulled weapons near a busy park. For now, it's unclear if anyone was shot as the witnesses scattered.

Authorities said they're looking for at least two gunmen who fired shots with a 45 caliber and a 9 millimeter at a grassy field next to the Oaklands Historic House Museum off North Maney Avenue.

"There's a park here. Families come here to play," said Sergeant Kyle Evans with the Murfreesboro Police Department.

The incident happened Saturday afternoon.

Witnesses said around 30 guys were playing football on a large field when a fight broke out.

Guns were pulled and at least seven shots were fired.

"We're not sure if the shots were fired in the air, toward the ground, or at anybody," said Sergeant Evans.

Those involved scattered before police arrived at the scene.

Officials said it's possible, but unlikely, someone was hit.

Still, the shooting in broad daylight outside the historic home sent a jolt through the quiet neighborhood.

Detectives did manage to collect shell casings for at least seven rounds from two guns.

That evidence was set to be sent to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to be tested for fingerprints and checked against a database to see if a match can be made with a stolen weapon.

"At minimum we are looking at felony reckless endangerment or attempted murder depending on motive and what circumstances were," said Sergeant Evans.

Police said a shootout in the neighborhood on a sunny weekend afternoon was incredibly dangerous.

They added it was fortunate a check of local hospitals turned up no reports of gunshot wounds.