A 16-year-old was shot and wounded in the arm Sunday night by an unknown person after a series of fights broke out during a birthday party at American Legion Post 3, 1712 Monroe St., Vicksburg police Capt. Sandra Williams said Monday.

She said the teen, who was not identified, was shot near the railroad bridge where Monroe turns into Drummond Street and was taken by a private vehicle to River Region Medical Center, where he was treated and released. He was a guest at the party, but was not involved in any of the series of fights that broke out at the party about 11 p.m., she said, adding the shooting outside the building approximately a block and a half away occurred while police were trying to question people about the fights. No arrests were made.

According to city ordinance, the curfew for children under 18 during the school year is 10 p.m. It is extended to midnight during the summer when school is out.

Williams said police went to the post after 911 dispatchers received a call about a fight.

After officers arrived to help security guards break up the fight, other fights erupted in the building. As police were trying to get information about the fights, they heard shots being fired in the area outside the building, went to investigate and found the wounded teen, but were unable to locate the shooter.

The shooting is the second time in almost two years that someone has been shot during a party at the American Legion Hall. One man was shot and killed and two others wounded Dec. 6, 2013, after gunshots were fired during a fight that erupted at a party the post.

“I don’t feel good about that place at all, and mainly because I’m concerned about these kids,” Police Chief Walter Armstrong said. “We’re talking about 15 and 16-year-olds. I am very concerned about the safety of kids — teenagers — as it relates to that American Legion (post).

“We were there last night, we were there about two weeks ago, and we were there probably about two months ago, all of which involved fights with youth. Sooner or later, some teenager’s going to get killed there because of all the fights,” he said. “Every time there is a party, there is a fight or we get calls about shots being fired.”

On one call to the post about a month ago, he said, police arrested a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old for possession of a firearm after they saw one of the teens give the loaded weapon to the other.

Armstrong said most of the fights occur inside the building, but “the shots are outside or somewhere in the vicinity of the American Legion.” He said the shots fired during Sunday night’s brawl were fired on a street away from the post, but police believe they were connected with the fighting at the party.

“That place has proven to be unsafe for our children and this community based on what has taken place while there,” Armstrong said. “I think parents ought to be aware of any patterns that have taken place in the past at various locations before they allow their kids to go.”

He said he has talked with the state American Legion Headquarters in Jackson about the problems and with Steve Wise, the Post 3 commander. He said he will discuss the problems at the post with the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, but did not say when.

Wise referred questions about the party to former post commander Carl Baker, who he said rented the post hall out for the party.

Baker said he was close to the area when the first fight broke out.

“The kids just started fighting, I don’t know what caused it,” he said. “How do you keep kids from fighting? The only way is to keep them at home, and I’d like to see you try that.”

He said security guards ejected the combatants from the Legion hall and followed them down the street from the building, adding, “I shut the party down at that time.” As the people were leaving, he said, other fights broke out, including one between two girls in the hallway of the building.

He said there was nothing at the party that could have led to the fight.

“There were no drugs, no one was smoking and there was no alcohol,” he said. “We need to come up with activities and places where kids can go and have a safe, good time.”

He added kids have come to him during parties with concerns and when fights break out he shuts the parties down.

Baker said the people who rent the post hall are responsible for providing security guards who have been licensed by the city and bonded.

He said he interviews the guards before the parties and has rejected the companies if they don’t meet his standards. “I’ve invited parents to come in and stay,” he said. “We have a lounge where they can sit and relax.”

Baker said he is willing to talk with officials about making changes to correct the problem.

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