WATERTOWN, NY — Multiple police agencies responded to the Rio nightclub, 136 Franklin St., at about 1:20 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, for a reported shooting incident outside the business in a fenced smoking area.
A witness standing outside the Olympic Apartments, 231 Franklin St., told Newzjunky.com that he heard six shots fired. Another resident said she was awoken by “three loud pops”.
Police say multiple people were transported to Samaritan Medical Center by Guilfoyle Ambulance with injuries described as minor to serious. Some of the victims have been released, police said.
One person was detained by police in a parking lot at 230 Franklin St. after being reported running from the shooting scene, police said.
“It is believed the weapon used tonight has been recovered,” according to a news release.
Police appeared to concentrate their search efforts on an area behind 227 Sterling St. while also having firefighters search the roof area of 230 Franklin St.
Search lights were brought to the scene by firefighters to assist police officers in gathering evidence.
The 100 and 200 blocks of Franklin Street and Goodale Street were wrapped in yellow police crime scene tape for numerous hours.
Samaritan Medical Center was reported to be on diversion for just over two hours.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Watertown Police Department at (315) 782-2233.
City police were assisted at the scene by state police, Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies, members of the Metro-Jeff Drug Task Force, City of Watertown Fire Department, Town of Watertown Fire Department, Town of Watertown Ambulance, Black River Ambulance and Guilfoyle Ambulance.
According to the New York State Liquor Authority’s website, the Rio nightclub is licensed to Rio Music Theater, Inc., 136 Franklin St., Watertown, with David C. Garlock listed as the principal name on the license.
