Oakland police say shootings near park leave 2 in critical condition, 5 with minor injuries

OAKLAND, Calif. – Police say two shootings near a park in Oakland have left seven people wounded.

Oakland police spokeswoman Johnna Watson says officers responded to a report of a shooting about a block away from the Verdese Carter Park and community garden at about 6:08 p.m. When they arrived, they learned of a second shooting scene nearby.

The Oakland Tribune (http://bit.ly/1hfacPo ) reports that the victims were all men between the ages of 23 and 31. Two were said to be in critical condition while the other five received minor injuries.

There were no immediate reports of any suspects or arrests.

Councilman Larry Reid, who represents the neighborhood, says the number of shootings has risen over the last six months in the area.