Minneapolis woman wounded in crossfire of drive-by shooting

Last update: October 8, 2008 - 10:41 PM

An 18-year-old Minneapolis woman who was hit by gunfire Tuesday night as she stood in a park apparently was caught in the middle of a drive-by shooting, police said.

The woman, who has not been identified, was shot above her ear and was in serious condition at Hennepin County Medical Center on Wednesday afternoon, said Minneapolis police spokesman Sgt. Jesse Garcia.

Shortly after 10 p.m. Tuesday, the woman was standing with a group of people by the basketball court in North Commons Park near 18th and James Avenues N. when someone in a passing car shot at another group of people, sending gunfire into the park. Police are investigating whether the shooting is gang-related, but they don't believe the woman was the intended target, Garcia said.

Lorna Livingston, who lives near the park, said she was watching television when she heard about five gunshots coming from outside of the park, followed by a woman screaming. The shooting shocked Livingston, who said the park is usually quiet after dark.

"There's no reason to be hanging out in the park at that time of night," she said. "I hope she makes it out OK."

LORA PABST