PALATKA, Fla. — A city-approved block party ended in chaos Saturday night after a vehicle drove through a crowd and gunfire broke out, according to the Palatka Police Department.
The incident began around 8 p.m. near 20th Street and Eagle Street, where a large crowd had gathered. Authorities said an unidentified driver drove a vehicle into the crowd, prompting several individuals to fire weapons. Two officers with the Palatka Police Department also discharged their firearms while attempting to stop the vehicle.
Officials said multiple people were transported to hospitals, though the extent of injuries has not been released.
Following the initial incident, the crowd dispersed and later regrouped in large numbers at the Middleton Shopping Center near 18th Street and Reid Street.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol, responded to assist with crowd control and public safety efforts.
Authorities said there are multiple active scenes and the situation remains under investigation. The incident at the block party is believed to be isolated.
The investigation is being led by the Palatka Police Department with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
No additional information has been released.