On June 22, after the Thunder’s exciting victory in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, a disturbing incident occurred in Scissortail Park, Oklahoma City. A 14-year-old boy was shot, prompting immediate police intervention.
The alleged shooter, identified as 20-year-old Kaziya Penn, was taken into custody on Monday. He has been charged with assault and battery using a deadly weapon.
Officials reported that the boy sustained a non-life-threatening injury from the gunshot.
After the shooting, Penn fled the scene, and police began a manhunt but initially couldn’t locate the suspect.
On June 24, just days after the shooting, officers executed a traffic stop on Penn’s vehicle near the Thunder’s Paycom Center around 11 p.m. They discovered he was in illegal possession of a firearm.
Once the firearm, identified as a Glock 43X 9mm pistol, was tested, authorities discovered it was linked to the shooting incident from June 22.
Following a detailed investigation, which lasted several weeks, police obtained a search warrant and found Penn at his residence in Midwest City, Oklahoma, on August 4.
On the day of the shooting, first responders discovered the teenager lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to his leg. Upon reaching the hospital, he expressed confusion about the events, stating he didn’t know who shot him or why.
During questioning, Penn admitted to firing the weapon, claiming he was trying to defend his cousin who was cornered and attacked by a group of individuals.
Penn explained that he acted out of fear for his cousin’s safety and fired into the approaching crowd. Moreover, analysis of cell phone data substantiated that Penn was present at the scene during the shooting during Game 7.
