Pubdate: Sun, 21 Apr 2013
Source: Tulsa World (OK)
Copyright: 2013 World Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.tulsaworld.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/463
Author: Kristen Wyatt, Associated Press

SHOTS FIRED AT COLO. POT HOLIDAY GATHERING

DENVER (AP) - Gunfire erupted at a Denver park Saturday, injuring two
people and sending tens of thousands gathered for an annual pot
celebration fleeing the area, police said.

A crowd of marijuana smokers expected to swell to 80,000 had gathered
at the park to mark the counterculture holiday known as 4/20 on the
first celebration since Colorado and Washington made pot legal for
recreational use. The shooting happened at about 5 p.m., shortly after
pot smokers shared hugs and joints in a mass 4:20 p.m. smoke-out.

Police spokesman Sonny Jackson confirmed two people had been shot and
both were taken to a hospital with injuries that did not appear to be
life-threatening. The gunshots quickly dispelled the festive
atmosphere, with police swarming the scene.

Witnesses said they heard three or more shots and crime tape was
placed around the pavilion where the celebration was being held.

Aerial footage showed the massive crowd frantically running from the
park.

A sizable police force on motorcycles and horses had been watching the
celebration. But officers didn't arrest people for smoking in public,
which is still illegal.

Authorities generally look the other way at public pot smoking here on
April 20. Police said this week that they were focused on crowd
security in light of attacks that killed three at the Boston Marathon.

"We're aware of the events in Boston," said Denver police spokesman
Aaron Kafer, who declined to give specifics about security measures
being taken. 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D