2 shot in Springfield drive-by shooting

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Two men were shot, and one remains in critical condition, after a drive-by shooting in Springfield Wednesday night, bringing the total to five shootings in a single week in the city.

Springfield Police Sgt. John Delaney told 22News that two 20-year old men were shot around 5:40 p.m. in a parking lot near 51 Orchard Street. One man was shot in the head and he remains in critical condition. The other victim was shot three times, once in the arm and twice in the back. He was upgraded to serious condition Thursday morning.

The victim who was shot in the back was conscious and able to talk with police however he would not tell police who shot him or his friend.

Sgt. Delaney said it appears that the shooter(s) were on foot at the time of the shooting, then jumped in a car and fled down Orchard Street towards Plainfield Street.

Sgt. Delaney told 22News the parking lot where both victims were shot is considered a "high crime area." The parking lot is well known for drug sales, mostly marijuana. Both victims also have drug records with the Springfield Police Department.

Commissioner William Fitchet responded to the scene and talked with investigators and police officers. He advised his officers to continue the extra patrols in the North End till further notice.

Mayor Domenic Sarno released this statement: "I have consulted with Commissioner William J. Fitchet regarding today’s shootings and have called on Governor Deval Patrick and Lt. Governor Timothy Murray to provide additional State Police support to come into our City immediately, to assist our dedicated men and women in blue. This is a war on drugs and gangs and we’re going to be relentless to make sure citizens from every section of our City feel safe. This is an all out war!"

People in the neighborhood were shaken over this most recent shooting.

Suheily Martinez told 22News she ran outside to see what happened. After seeing the two victims bleeding badly, she packed up the car and left with her kids.

Twelve year-old Neftali Ramirez, who lives in a nearby apartment, said this: “I feel worried that something is going to happen to me. Since that happened, I feel scared."

The shooting comes just days after the city of Springfield recorded its 17th murder of the year. Wednesday's shootings were the fourth and fifth shootings in Springfield less than one week.

On October 18, 18-year old Brittany Perez was killed after being shot several times, including once in the head, through the front window of her home on Wilmont Street in Springfield. Police determined the shooting began as a dispute with a neighbor over a stolen TV.

On October 17, 24-year old Carmelo Adorno was killed after being shot four times while sitting in his car on Chapin Terrace in Springfield. Police are still investigating the shooting.

On October 15, 23-year old Omar Gallegro was shot and killed in front of Christopher's Package Store on Main Street in Springfield. Police called it a drug-related shooting.