HEALSBURG, CA — The search for a suspected shooter continued Thursday after a fight near Healdsburg’s Badger Park erupted into gunfire, triggering an investigation and the arrest of a teenager carrying what Sonoma County Sheriff's Office said was a loaded firearm.
Healsburg police and Sonoma County deputies responded around 6:17 p.m. Wednesday to reports of a shooting near the Russian River by Badger Park.
They found several people running from the area and detained a 17-year-old, according to Sgt. Juan Valencia.
Investigators said deputies found a loaded firearm inside a shoulder bag carried by the teen, though authorities said he was not the shooter.
Witnesses told deputies a verbal confrontation between several males near the river escalated into a physical fight before shots were fired. Deputies later searched the riverbed and recovered multiple spent shell casings, according to Valencia.
Valencia said they have not received any reports of gunshot victims.
The teen was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm in a public place and possession of a firearm by a minor. Deputies transported him to Los Guilicos Juvenile Hall in Santa Rosa for booking.
Anyone with information about the shooting should contact the Sonoma County Sheriff at (707) 565-2185.
Related: 'Police Activity' In Badger Park
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