Police Investigating Shots Fired at Sweet 16 Party

By WYDaily Staff Monday, May 03, 2010

A sweet 16 birthday party for a pair of James City County girls turned into a brawl late Friday night, with guests fighting and shots fired in the Kingsmill Marriott’s parking lot and on its grounds.

James City County Police Major Steve Rubino said police responded to the Marriott shortly after 11 p.m. after receiving reports of shots being fired and fights breaking out.

Police estimate between 75 to 100 teens were out in the parking lot when they arrived, with some running, some congregating and others fighting. Still inside the hotel’s Adams Ballroom, where the party with a disc jockey was held, were about 50 to 75 party guests.

While trying to get the situation under control, police heard more shots being fired. They recovered 11 shell casings from the Marriott’s parking lot, and one hotel guest reported the next day that his car had been damaged, likely by a bullet. Rubino said the casings appeared to be from a semi-automatic handgun.

The magazine for a semi-automatic handgun generally holds about 8 to 10 rounds, although magazines are made for non-civilian use that hold more.

Police did not locate anyone who had been injured, and none of the local hospitals reported treating anyone for a gunshot wound.

“It’s a miracle that nobody got hurt,” said Rubino.

Rubino said there was a good possibility that word of the party spread through social networking sites or word of mouth/text messages.

No arrests have been made, but police are continuing their investigation, Rubino said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.