Shootout during youth practices in South Boston leaves families shaken

BOSTON — Families in South Boston are feeling on edge about their kids practicing at Moakley Park after a scary shootout earlier this week. Police estimate that 20 shots rang out as rival gangs clashed nearby.

It happened on Tuesday night while it was still sunny outside near a field where youth lacrosse and track practices were taking place. A woman sitting at a picnic table was hit in the leg by a bullet, and those involved in the shooting fled the scene.

Two Boston Police officers will now be staked out at the 50-acre park every day in response to safety concerns. Local leaders are also looking into installing surveillance cameras in the area in hopes of deterring crime.

“Absolutely it’s a concern that a stray bullet could have come this way. We were definitely close enough,” said Mike Green, a local father.

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Green, who was watching his 8-year-old daughter’s track practice during the gunfire, credits lacrosse coaches on the field for guiding the kids to safety. He said everyone ran to the nearby State Police Barracks moments after the shooting.

“Whoever had the forethought to go straight to the police barracks was a smart move,” Green said. “The kids did well, listened and did what they needed to do. That part was amazing, how they reacted.”

Earlier on Tuesday, police responded to another gun-related incident nearby at Carson Beach. Officers arrested a man who was accused of pulling a pistol on two women.

No arrests have been made in connection with the barrage of gunfire at Moakley Park.

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