Wichita Police say a 19-year-old woman is dead following a shooting at west Wichita club.
It happened at the 511 Club, located in the 500 block of North West Street around 2:50 a.m. Police found 19-year-old Sonja Brown who had been hit by gunfire.
She was taken by EMS to the hospital where she died a short time later. Wichita Police Captain Brent Allred says Brown was not the target of the shooter.
He says the suspect had gone to the club looking for someone specifically and shot at them inside. As the shots were fired, people began to run and Brown was struck as she fled.
Allred says more shots were fired outside of the club, because at least 30 shell casings were found and a business across the street was also hit by gunfire. They also believe there may be a second victim who was hit but has not come forward yet.
“An initial lack of cooperation has slowed this investigation from knowing all the facts that occurred. This was not a random incident and the investigation is ongoing.” said Captain Allred, who says 8 to 10 people have spoken to police so far, but there were at least 30 to 40 people at the club when the shooting happened who haven’t come forward. Police believe gang members were involved in this incident.
“It’s time for people to take a stand against stuff that’s wrong, and this was wrong.” said Allred. The club was reportedly operating illegally after hours and police may seek to have it shut down.
Brown is the 31st homicide victim on the year.
