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Gunmen Open Fire At Roller Rink Holiday Party, 5 Hospitalized

UPDATE: Police Name One Of Three Suspects In Roller Rink Shooting

WATERFORD TWP. (WWJ) -Five people have been hospitalized after three gunmen open fire at a roller-skating rink in Waterford Township during a private holiday party.

WWJ's Mike Campbell spoke with Kurt Anselmi, co-owner of "Rolladium," where the shooting took place. Anselmi said shots were fired around 1:45 a.m. Friday as a private party billed as an 18 and up "Roll Up" was coming to a close.

Rolladium - party flier
Flier for the party where at least 5 people were shot. (WWJ Photo/Mike Campbell)

"As people were leaving, a fight broke out inside and from what we can tell from the videos, the shooters came in the exit doors as people were leaving, just walked into the area where you can first turn to the skating surface, fired a number of shots, we don't know how many, and turned around and ran out," said Anselmi.

At an afternoon news conference, Waterford Township Police Chief Dan McCaw said the shooting was prompted by an argument that happened earlier in the day. The party's promoters provided security detail during the event.

Although the rink has a surveillance system, Anselmi said he's not sure the cameras captured everything.

"They passed one camera and there are good views of their faces and their clothing. But at the point in time that the shooting occurred, we can't see them. They go off camera, they shoot, it all takes place within a matter of seconds," said Anselmi.

Surveillance: See what really happened

Security footage roller rink shooting by WWJNewsradio950 on YouTube

The victims, three women and two men all in their early twenties, were taken to area hospitals for treatment. One victim was shot in the upper body while the others received grazing wounds to their hands or legs. Four of the victims are from Pontiac, while the other is from White Lake Township.

Nearly 300 people were inside the rink, which is located on Highland Rd. near Pontiac Lake Rd. in Waterford Township, about 25 miles northwest of Detroit.

Police are now searching for the three gunmen, as they interview witnesses and review footage of the incident.

Anselmi said the last time they had any trouble like this at the rink was back in the 70s.

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