The park was renovated over the last two years.
Haverhill Police Captain Robert P. Pistone and Mayor James J. Fiorentini.
Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini said Sunday he is “outraged” by a shooting incident at about 4 p.m., Saturday, which wounded two people and reportedly disrupted a little league baseball game, near Swasey Field on Blaisdell Street.
Two young men, including a juvenile, were taken to Holy Family Hospital at Merrimack Valley, Haverhill, after a response by Haverhill police. One of the victims was later transported to a Boston hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injury, according to Carrie Kimball-Monahan, spokesperson for Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett. Neither their identities nor descriptions of any suspect or suspects are being released now. Meanwhile, Fiorentini, in a written statement, said while additional police patrols were assigned to the neighborhood, including the park, “whatever steps are necessary” will be taken to apprehend the offenders.
“No shooting anywhere in our city will be tolerated. This is particularly so in a park. The safety of our citizens is job one,” Fiorentini said. “I have every confidence that our police will find the person or people responsible for this disgusting event and prosecute them to the full extent of the law.”
An investigation, including discovering the “precise circumstances leading up to the shooting,” is ongoing by Haverhill police with assistance from investigators assigned to Blodgett’s office.
“Police do not believe it was a random act,” Kimball-Monahan told WHAV Monday. Further details, including the victims’ proximity to the baseball field area, were unavailable before deadline.
“We will take whatever steps are necessary to make certain that the offenders are apprehended and that the people of Haverhill and the people who use this park remain safe,” Fiorentini added.
Wow, the Mayor is “outraged.” Look out here he comes with the top down and the bald tires to save the day. Why not hire more cops instead of the bull you shoot ? You are always touting hiring more cops but in reality you are just replacing those that have left. Sadly Mr. Mayor you and most of the council are clueless as to the powder keg Haverhill has become. Ask cops in surrounding towns, they know. All the while you talk about trees, rail trails, and dog parks.
Bingo….it’s like a 3 stooges skit – “I’m realllllllly angry now….” Nothing will change. Should have spent the money they wasted in this neighborhood field at Riverside Park instead….
Absolute idiots. And THIS is why you don’t spend hard working peoples tax dollars in neighborhoods where it is ‘expected’ – and not appreciated.
Until people take personal responsibility for themselves and their children – it won’t turn around.