A 47-year-old Lititz man is dead, and another person remains hospitalized in critical condition following a shooting Wednesday evening at Lancaster County Central Park, according to police and the county coroner’s office.
The Lancaster County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased as Kevin Lucas of Lititz. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting, which occurred near the intersection of Williamson Road and Rockford Road inside the park.
An autopsy for Lucas is scheduled for Friday.
What happened Wednesday night
According to Lancaster County dispatch, the shooting was reported around 6:37 p.m. Wednesday. Police initially responded to reports of shots being fired near Williamson and Rockford roads within Lancaster County Central Park.
The scene was later determined to fall within the City of Lancaster, prompting officers with the Lancaster City Bureau of Police to be dispatched to the area just before 7 p.m.
When officers arrived, they found two people suffering from gunshot wounds. One person, later identified as Lucas, was declared dead at the scene. The second victim, who has not been publicly identified, was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
As of Thursday afternoon, that individual remained in critical condition, and police said the investigation into his status is ongoing.
Authorities have not released any information regarding suspects or arrests connected to the shooting. Investigators are asking anyone with information about the incident to submit a tip to Lancaster police, either online or by calling 717-664-1180.
Despite the violence, police have repeatedly emphasized that there is no known threat to the general public at this time. Officials reiterated that statement again Thursday as the investigation continued.
Community reaction and lingering unease
The shooting has rattled some regular visitors to the popular park, even as police continue to insist there is no ongoing danger. Schneider Villier, who frequently visits the park, said the incident has left him feeling uneasy.
“It makes you feel unsafe,” Villier said, adding a plea directed at whoever was involved. “I just wanna say put the guns down. We have kids out here.”
Mekonnen Chala, another park visitor whose children often play there, echoed similar sentiments, saying he loves the location but admitted his comfort level has shifted since the shooting. Despite police assurances, Chala said he returned to the park Thursday with heightened awareness of his surroundings.
“I was like looking around,” Chala said. “Because frankly speaking, I was not feeling safe.”
The shooting prompted a visible police presence at the park on Thursday, with several patrol cars and at least two park ranger vehicles spotted at the scene. Officers were seen walking the trail near where the shooting occurred and returning to their vehicles throughout the day.
Lancaster County Central Park is a widely used recreational space, drawing families, joggers, and nature lovers from across the county.
The shooting has raised questions among some visitors about safety at the park, even though officials maintain there is no broader risk to the public.
This remains a developing story, and authorities have not released additional details about a motive or potential suspects.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Lancaster City Bureau of Police. Updates are expected as the investigation progresses, including results from Lucas’s scheduled autopsy on Friday.
