Authorities investigate park shooting

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Orange County sheriff's deputies are searching for a person, or persons, who shot a man, while playing basketball in Barnett Park.

Parkgoer Chad Figgins says, "We heard the gunshots and saw people running over by the basketball court."

The chaos broke out in Barnett Park just after 6 o'clock Monday, as it was packed with people of all ages.

"We just heard a bunch of shots rang out and hid behind the hill. The kids thought it was firecrackers," says Brad Brown, a father. 

Deputies say it happened in the parking lot next to the basketball courts. Parkgoer Ernest Normil saw the victim, identified as 27-year-old Alphonzo Johnson Jr., with blood coming out of his mouth.

"We just seen the body on the floor. It was right by the basketball courts and that was it, that's what I saw and that's when the cops came."

Investigators say 20 to 30 people were by the basketball court. When the shooting occurred. The suspects still on the loose.

"A fight broke out at a basketball game over the basketball game," says OCSO spokesman Jeff Williamson.  

Law enforcement officers shut down the park, blocking anyone from entering.Deputies say the victim is in critical, possibly even grave condition. For parkgoers like Ernest,  it's concerning.

The victim is recovering at Orlando Regional Medical Center. Anyone with information is asked to call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).