Tragic Shooting at Starlight Inn on Third Street Leaves Woman Critically Injured
A harrowing scene unfolded late Tuesday night at the Starlight Inn, located on Third Street, as police responded to reports of a shooting that has since left the community reeling. According to law enforcement officials and court records, officers arrived at the scene to find a woman suffering from a gunshot wound to the head—an act of violence that has prompted a full-scale investigation and renewed concerns about rising gun-related crimes in the area.
The incident occurred around 11:45 p.m. when a 911 call alerted authorities to gunfire heard near the motel. Upon arrival, officers discovered a car parked near the back lot of the Starlight Inn. Inside, they found an adult female victim slumped over in the driver’s seat, unresponsive and bleeding profusely from what appeared to be a single gunshot wound to the head. Immediate lifesaving measures were initiated by first responders on the scene. The woman was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition, where she remains under intensive care.
The identity of the victim has not yet been publicly released pending notification of her family, though authorities have confirmed that she is believed to be in her early 30s. Investigators also revealed that the victim may have been staying at the motel at the time of the incident, though the nature of her presence there is still under review.
Court documents indicate that surveillance footage from the motel and surrounding businesses has been collected and is being analyzed. Preliminary leads suggest the shooting may not have been a random act, though detectives have yet to publicly identify any suspects or motives. Witnesses in nearby rooms reported hearing a single gunshot followed by the screech of tires as an unidentified vehicle sped off into the night.
“We are treating this as a targeted shooting,” said Detective Marcus Holden, lead investigator on the case. “Our officers are working diligently to gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and trace the movements of all individuals involved in and around the motel during the timeframe of the shooting.”
Residents of the area expressed shock and unease at the violence. The Starlight Inn, a modest roadside motel known to locals, has long been considered a quiet if occasionally troubled location. Tuesday night’s violence, however, marks one of the most serious incidents reported there in recent years.
“This is heartbreaking,” said Tonya Mitchell, a neighbor who lives a few blocks from the motel. “You hear about shootings in the news, but when it happens this close to home, it shakes you. I just hope the woman pulls through and they find whoever did this.”
Law enforcement agencies have increased patrols in the area in the wake of the shooting and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Crime scene tape remained wrapped around the perimeter of the motel on Wednesday morning, as forensics teams continued their work documenting the vehicle and collecting physical evidence.
Authorities are also seeking help from the public. “We believe someone out there knows something,” said Officer Vanessa Cruz, spokesperson for the police department. “Even the smallest detail—something seen or heard—could be vital in helping us solve this case and bring justice to the victim.”
As the investigation moves forward, the community waits anxiously for updates, hoping for a resolution to a tragic incident that has left a young woman fighting for her life and a neighborhood gripped by fear and uncertainty.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police tip line or submit tips anonymously through the department’s online portal.