Shooting in Kenosha Co. leaves 3 dead, at least 3 injured at Wis. bar, person of interest in custody, officials say
The family of Cedrick Gaston says the Kenosha father is among those killed
KENOSHA, Wis. (WLS) -- We're learning more about the victims in a mass shooting at a Kenosha County bar early Sunday morning.
A person of interest is in custody in connection to the shooting that left three men dead and at least three others injured, according to police.
Officials have not officially identified any of the victims, but one victim's brother and girlfriend said the Kenosha father had so much more life ahead of him.
The candlelight shined through the flashing police lights where a memorial now stands.
Cartier Gaston drove for hours from Detroit after finding out his youngest brother, Cedrick, was one of the three killed.
"At the end of the day, it don't even make sense," Gaston said. "It don't make sense to me at all for somebody else to come and take his life."
The shooting took place around 12:42 a.m. at the Somers House, a bar in the Village of Somers on Sheridan Road, according to the Kenosha County Sheriff's Department.
"I love my brother dearly. He's my everything. I just tell him to get up out of here. It's just too late," Gaston added.
The popular bar is now surrounded in crime tape as officials continue to investigate.
Three of the victims have been hospitalized with gunshot wounds, and police said there could be at least one other possible unknown shooting victim.
"There's a possibility that one or two, or maybe even more had, minor injuries, some other injuries," said Sheriff David Beth, Kenosha County Sheriff's Department.
As of 4 p.m. Sunday, Kenosha officials said "a person of interest has been located and will be criminally charged with (1) count of 1st-degree intentional homicide with additional criminal charges to follow pending further investigation." They also said there is no threat to the community at this time.
Two of the victims died at the scene. The third victim fled in a car with other people but later died on the way to a hospital.
"At first, there was a fight that broke out between two individuals right next to the bar," said Heidi Wittwer, who was at the bar at the time of the shooting.
The sheriff said the person responsible may have been told to leave the bar, and then returned to go on the shooting spree.
"One person got removed from the establishment and possibly came back a short time later," said Sheriff Beth.
Wittwer said the bar was packed with dozens of people when the first round of shots were fired.
"We were told to duck, and then everyone started running and we all just ran very fast," Wittwer said.
Peter Ploskee woke up to the sound of gunshots near his home.
"Next thing you know, I hear a bunch of shots going off. [I] got up, ran out and looked out the window. Just see people running from the bar in every direction," he said.
"I didn't see nobody. Like I said, when I looked out the window, it was just chaos. People running every direction possible, so you know, who's who? Is that the guy? Is this the guy? People are just running, people screaming," Ploskee said.
Victims' loved ones hosted a vigil, including Cedrick's girlfriend Veronica Scalia, as they hold on to one another and the memories of those lost.
"He would light up your day no matter what. When he walked into the bar there was smiles, everything," Scalia said.
Kenosha officials believe the incident was targeted and that the shooter may have known the victims.
"We don't believe this was a random act," Sheriff Beth said. "I currently believe the gunman knew who the victims were."
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers released a statement regarding the shooting.
"My heart breaks for Kenosha this morning in the wake of a shooting that took three lives and injured at least two others. I want to thank the first responders who reacted quickly and are still working to investigate and find those involved in this senseless tragedy," Gov. Evers said. "Kathy and I join Wisconsinites in hoping and praying those injured will recover from their injuries. We are thinking of the families and loved ones affected and the entire Kenosha community as they grieve and grapple with yet another tragic incident of gun violence."
Officials said they are looking for possibly multiple people and multiple weapons. No guns were recovered at the scene, but did mention that a handgun or handguns could have been used, according to the sheriff.
The bar is known as gathering place for the Carthage College community. The campus was on lockdown for a period of time Sunday morning, according to the college website, but the college received a message at 6:20 a.m. from law enforcement that said the lockdown can be lifted.
Sheridan Road is closed near the scene, and officials said the area should be avoided so Kenosha Sheriff's Department can continue its ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information regarding the incident can contact the Kenosha County Sheriff's Department at 262-605-5100 or anonymously to the Kenosha County Crime Stoppers at 262-656-7333.
