Florence, Kentucky — Four people were killed and three others injured in a shooting early Saturday morning at a house party in northern Kentucky, police said.
Police said the suspect who opened fire fled the home and was killed after a police vehicle chase that ended when the suspect’s vehicle ended up in a ditch.
When police arrived at a home in Florence around 2:50 a.m., they heard gunshots, said city Police Chief Jeff Mallory. Police found seven victims shot in the home, Mallory said at a news conference.
According to police, four people were found dead. Three were taken to a Cincinnati hospital in critical condition. Mulally said they are expected to recover.
The suspect led police on a chase that ended when his vehicle veered off the road and crashed into a ditch. The suspect suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound and died at a hospital, police said.
Police said the suspect acted alone and there was no ongoing threat to the public.
People had gathered at the home for a birthday party for the homeowner’s 21-year-old son, Mallery said. The homeowner was shot and killed, the police chief said. The 20-year-old suspect knew the people at the party, but was not invited, Mallery said.
An investigation into the motive was underway.
“I know what’s happening across the country, but this is the first mass shooting that’s happened in Florence,” Mallory said. “Yes, it’s really emotional. My feelings are for the victims, their families, the police that responded, and everyone who was affected by this situation.”
Florence is located about 12 miles (19 km) south of Cincinnati, Ohio.
