CROSS LANES, W.Va. — One person was hurt and now the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department is looking for answers after an early Thursday morning shooting at a private Christmas party in Cross Lanes.
The owner of Appetizer’s Restaurant and Shep’s Lounge on Goff Mountain Road said in a release that they had rented a room out to a private party.
During the party, two guests reportedly got into an altercation and according to the release were escorted out of the bar. Once outside business owner Michael Shepherd said the “groups restarted their altercation with the use of firearms.”
Deputies said those at the party was scattering after gunshots rang out. Deputies found as many as 30 shell casings from as many as four handguns fired at the scene.
The fight and ensuing gunfight took place in the parking lot of the bar. There were a lot of shots fired but apparently only one person injured.
Nitro police pulled over a minivan near the Interstate 64 entrance ramp and found Carlo Gray inside. The 22-year-old St. Albans resident had been shot in the leg.
Due to the incident, the business will temporarily close its doors.
“It is with great sadness that Shep’s Lounge will suspend operations for a limited time so that an investigation may fully determine what transpired and take all necessary precautions to insure that this type of action does not occur again,” stated Shepherd in the release.
In addition, the ABCA said they’ve suspended the license of Appetizer’s Bar and Lounge during the criminal and administrative investigation.
“We are saddened and alarmed by these intrusive and irresponsible actions as our neighbors surely are, and will work with law enforcement to make certain all parties are held accountable for their actions,” said Shepherd.
Deputies are trying to find additional witnesses. They are asked to call the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department at 304-357-0169.