Argument results in pair of shootings Tuesday afternoon

LIMA - An argument between two teenage boys on Tuesday quickly escalated into a pair of shootings. One of the boys retrieved a gun and took aim at the other a short time after the initial confrontation. Another shooter then opened fire toward the first two boys.

The motive for the argument and shootings was a mystery to investigators, said Lt. Jim Baker of the Lima Police Department.

"At this point we really don't have much more to go on," Baker said.

An argument between two teenage boys began at a home in the 200 block of South Pine Street. A 16-year-old boy told police he left the home after the argument and was confronted by the other boy a short while later, at about 4:30 p.m., in the 400 block of Jackson Street.

The second boy reportedly threatened to shoot the 16-year-old, who took off a sweatshirt and dared the boy to shoot, a police report said. The boy fired one shot, missing the 16-year-old. The 16-year-old took off running and hid behind a vehicle as another shooter fired as many as eight shots.

No one was shot.

An officer in the area of Pine and Kibby streets heard the shots and responded to the scene; however, both shooters had fled before the officer's arrival, bystanders told police.

Investigators were not worried about any type of retribution, despite the 16-year-old boy's claims his family would take care of the situation.

Two cars and a home were struck by bullets, the report said.

"It's still very early on in the investigation," Baker said.