Two dead, one in custody after mass shooting in Pierce County

One person is in custody after a mass shooting early Saturday morning in unincorporated Pierce County.

Six people were shot, and two died.

“We have one deceased male on scene. One deceased male at a local hospital,” Pierce County Deputy Spokesperson Carly Cappetto said. “Then we have two juvenile female victims and two other male victims.”

The four other victims remain at local hospitals with serious injuries, but are expected to recover.

At 12:24 a.m., deputies were dispatched to a large party in the 17800 block of 25th Avenue Court East where 30-40 juveniles were reportedly running and screaming from a house party.

One juvenile male was taken into custody.

Multiple people called local law enforcement to report a fight that was breaking out in the street. Just before deputies arrived, shots were fired, and people and vehicles were fleeing the scene.

“The street was so incredibly chaotic. People running from homes and cars, fleeing recklessly from the scene,” Cappetto added. “Drinking and drugs and alcohol at this party. That combination is not good and unfortunately, these are some of the consequences that we are seeing.”

Cappetto said nearby homes and vehicles were damaged by gunfire, but no one else was hurt in the neighborhood.

The youngest victim was a 16-year-old boy, and the other victims ranged in age from 17 to 21.

“This is another grim reminder of how dangerous parties can be when things get out of hand,” Cappetto said. “Our deputies and first responders have dealt with a lot in the last 24 hours, and we would hate to respond to more unnecessary death. Please be safe.”