FAIRMOUNT HEIGHTS, Md. — Police are investigating multiple crime scenes connected to a shooting that left three people wounded Thursday evening.
According to the Prince George's County Police Department, officers were called to a gas station on the 5300 block of Sheriff Road shortly before 6:30 p.m.
Shonita and Daija Roy say they were setting up for a women's shelter toiletry distribution at the Friendship Church Outreach Ministry Incorporated when they were interrupted.
"We are just coming to church like we normally do, for practice. It felt like a regular day and next thing you know everyone has to hit the deck," Daija Roy told WUSA9.
Members of the church said families with children were inside and outside of the church when the shooting took place. "At least 12 to 15 shots just back-to-back. It felt like the Fourth of July outside of our windows," Shonita Roy said.
When officers arrived, they found a man who had been shot. He was taken to an area hospital in stable condition.
"We kind of ducked down like, okay that was close. Some of our members were outside by their cars, and we went to peak on them and they were on the ground so it was pretty scary," Shonita Roy added.
A second shooting victim was found just a four-minute walk from the gas station in the 1200 block of Farmingdale Avenue. Officials have only said the victim is in stable condition.
The third shooting victim was found in the 4400 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE in D.C., according to the Metropolitan Police Department. The man who was wounded was conscious and breathing when he was located.
"You come here to take a load off, like God, thank you we made it through the day and next thing you know you hear, shots flying, and it was so close," Daija Roy added.
Church members say hearing gunshots along the Prince George's County and D.C. border is not uncommon, but they had never seen gun violence hit so close to their place of worship. "This is why I pray for protection for seen and unseen danger," Daija Roy said.
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