Woman, Teen Killed In Shooting Over Soccer Game Dispute Near MI School: Police

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A woman and a child were shot and killed over a soccer dispute at a park near a school in west Michigan on Tuesday night, according to police.

The shooting happened around 6:30 p.m. in the area of Rumsey Street SW and Oakland Avenue SW in Grand Rapids, according to police.

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Grand Rapids Interim Police Chief Joe Trigg told reporters that a group of kids were playing soccer at the park near Southwest Elementary School when another child asked to join.

The group turned that child away, leading to an argument between the two sides, Trigg said.

The child who was turned away from the game then pulled out a gun and shot a 14-year-old, Trigg said.

A woman in her 30s was also shot as she tried to intervene in the argument, Trigg said.

The 14-year-old was shot dead at the scene, while the woman was taken to a nearby hospital where she died, Trigg said.

Investigators believe the woman and teen are related.

The shooter ran away from the scene, but officers found him at a nearby home and arrested him, Trigg said.

There were no other injuries, but Trigg said there were many young witnesses.

"There was at least seven or eight kids that are out here, juveniles, older juveniles that witnessed this, which is just horrific for anybody to witness, let alone juveniles. And to see a friend gunned down is terrible," Trigg said.

Trigg did not release any additional details about the shooter as the investigation continues.

School officials at Southwest Elementary and Southwest Middle High School said crisis teams and school therapists will be available to any students who need support.

Police ask anyone with information about the shooting to call the Grand Rapids Police Department at (616) 456-3380. Tips can also be submitted anonymously at (616) 774-2345.