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Police: Park shootout started with confrontation between two groups

By the CNN Wire Staff
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2 dead in Washington Park gun battle
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Two people were killed in the shootout Saturday in a Washington state park
  • Police allege gang activity among party-goers gathered at Lake Sammamish State Park
  • 20 spent casings were recovered from the scene Sunday
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(CNN) -- A deadly shootout in a Washington state park Saturday night was the result of a fight between party-goers attending two separate gatherings at the park, police said Sunday.

Two people were killed and four others were wounded in the shootings at Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah, authorities said.

"I think it's safe to say [there was] some gang affiliation in both groups," Sgt. John Urquhart of the King County Sheriff's Department told CNN affiliate KOMO on Sunday.

One group was picnicking at the park, while another was celebrating a birthday, authorities said. Urquhart said a fight broke out between the two groups and someone fired a gun into the air.

"Then there were lots of guns and lots of gunfire," he said.

Police said several guns were found at the scene. Authorities scouring the area where the shootings occurred recovered at least 20 spent casings Sunday, Urquhart said.

"It's unbelievable. It boggles the mind how dangerous this was," Urquhart said, adding authorities are "amazed that more people weren't hurt."