At least 10 injured in Denver mass shooting after NBA finals

At least 10 people were injured in a mass shooting in downtown Denver as crowds gathered on the city streets to celebrate the NBA finals, authorities said. 

Hours after the Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat at the Ball Arena in their first NBA championship, shots were heard from “multiple firearms” less than a mile away from the stadium at around 12:30 a.m., police said. The shots were reported at the 2000 block of Market Street, near the intersection with 20 Street. 

Five of those injured during the shooting remain hospitalized at the Denver Medical Health Center, said trauma surgeon Eric Campion on Tuesday. One of the victims is in critical condition. However, all of them are expected to recover. 

"As far as what led up to this altercation that resulted in the shots being fired, that's still under investigation at this time," police spokesperson Doug Schepman said. "It did occur in the area where we had the largest gathering of folks celebrating during the night."

Police believe the shooting might have been drug-related, after large amounts of cash and fentanyl pills were found in the area, reported The Associated Press. Additionally, five weapons were recovered so far. Testing is being conducted to determine whether any of them were fired during the incident. 

"While we know some of the offenders were injured by gunfire, we also know that several innocent people who were in the area were hit by rounds that were fired," Police Commander Matt Clark said, adding that at least five of those injured “completely innocent bystanders.”

Two suspects were taken into custody in connection to the incident. Ricardo Vasquez, 22, is being charged with possession of a weapon by a previous offender and possession of a controlled substance. Raoul Jones, 33, is being charged with possession of a weapon by a previous offender. More charges are expected as the investigation continues.