“A chaotic scene” — shootings near South Tacoma Way leave 8 injured after dance party

Eight people were injured early Sunday after shots were fired outside a private venue on South Tacoma Way that hosted a dance party, according to Tacoma police and event organizers.

Multiple dispatch calls reported gunfire in the area at 12:45 a.m. Officers responded to the 5400 block of South Tacoma Way and found “a chaotic scene with a large crowd and multiple shooting victims,” according to statement from police spokesperson Wendy Haddow.

The victims were taken to three area hospitals by ambulances and private vehicles, police said. All were reported in stable condition Sunday morning. The victims were between ages 17 and 22, and they were a mix of men and women, Haddow said.

The shooting reportedly followed an argument in an alley behind the venue, a for-rent event space located at 5415 South Tacoma Way.

It’s unclear if the victims attended the party that preceded the shooting. According to social media posts, a party planning group called Project X Parties had organized a “Black & White Party” for Saturday night. Flyers show that attendees were meant to wear black and white wristbands or some other indicator to show whether they were “single” or “taken.” Police initially described the event as a “rave.”

Organizers advertised that the event was “security enforced,” and that attendees would enjoy food and drinks, live music and a light show. The party was scheduled to start at 8:30 p.m. Admission was $15 online and $20 at the door. An event organizer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Police closed four blocks of the roadway as investigators examined the scene. No arrests had been reported as of Sunday morning. The investigation is ongoing, police said.

Reporter Peter Talbot contributed to this story.

This story was originally published June 26, 2022 at 9:26 AM.