UPDATE:

A spokesperson for the PSPD told the LA Blade Monday afternoon that Detectives were not investigating the double shooting at the Toucans Tiki Lounge as a hate crime.

Palm Springs police Lt. William Hutchinson said that investigators still have not determined a motive for the incident which sent two adult males to hospital. Both men were shot in their lower extremities, one managed to walk assisted back into the club where he was aided by other patrons.

According to Hutchinson, an argument erupted inside the club and all of the participants were escorted outside to the club’s parking lot. The argument then escalated and a man described as a Hispanic Male Adult, approximately 20-30 years old wearing a black hat, black hooded sweatshirt, black sweatpants and with tattoos on his neck produced a weapon and opened fire.

Police detectives are in the process of reviewing the club’s surveillance video as well as continuing to interview witnesses.

Hutchinson also said that in addition to the search for the assailant, police are also wanting to interview some witnesses who had left prior to the arrival of patrol officers. He added that the club’s owner and its management team are cooperating fully with investigators

Original story: Palm Springs Police (PSPD) are looking for an unidentified male suspect who opened fire in the parking lot of a popular gay nightclub in northern Palm Springs early Sunday, March 24.

A spokesperson for the Palm Springs Police told the Los Angeles Blade Sunday evening that PSPD uniformed officers responded to a report of shots fired at the Toucans Tiki Lounge in the 2300 Block of N. Palm Canyon at around 1:38 am Sunday morning.

Upon arrival on scene officers found two male victims who had suffered non-life threatening gunshot wounds. Both men were transported to the nearby Desert Regional Medical Center for treatment.

According to the PSPD, the preliminary investigation revealed there was a fight inside the nightclub that eventually led outside. At that point, a shooting occurred near the parking lot.

The unidentified suspect fled the location and is described as a Hispanic Male Adult, approximately 20-30 years old wearing a black hat, black hooded sweatshirt, black sweatpants and had tattoos on his neck.

There were several witnesses present who fled the location prior to the arrival of officers.

Police are asking for the public’s help. Anyone who witnessed this incident is asked to contact the Palm Springs Police Department at 760-778-8411. The PSPD spokesperson also noted that Anonymous information can also be provided through Crime Stoppers at 760-341-7867.

A person answering the phone Sunday afternoon told the Los Angeles Blade that the club was open but management would not be commenting nor issuing a statement at this time.

There were posts on social media including pictures and video from inside the club as reported by Burbank, California-based Instinct magazine.

Reporting by the staff of the Los Angeles Blade and wire service reports.