Spanish Fort Bowling Alley Shooting Leaves Man Wounded After Fight at Eastern Shore Lanes Spills Outside
A man suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound late Saturday after a fight between two acquaintances at Eastern Shore Lanes in Spanish Fort moved to the parking lot, where shots were exchanged. No arrest has been reported.
SPANISH FORT, Ala. — A man was wounded in a Spanish Fort bowling alley shooting late Saturday after a fight between two people at Eastern Shore Lanes moved outside and ended in an exchange of gunfire in the parking lot, according to police.
The man was struck once and taken by ambulance to a hospital. His injuries were described as non-life-threatening. The other person involved left before officers arrived, but police say they know who that person is.
As of the latest information released by police, no arrest had been reported and investigators had not said what led to the fight. The investigation remains ongoing.
What Police Say Happened at the Spanish Fort Bowling Alley Shooting
According to the Spanish Fort Police Department, two people who knew each other got into a fight inside Eastern Shore Lanes, located at 10460 Eastern Shore Blvd. The confrontation continued into the parking lot, where gunfire was exchanged between the two.
Police Chief John Barber confirmed that the two people were acquainted and that the dispute started inside the business before spilling outdoors.
Officers who responded to the scene began giving aid to the wounded man before he was transported for medical treatment, police said.
Police later removed the crime scene tape that had been put up around the parking lot.
Reports Differ Slightly on the Time of the Shooting
Accounts released after the shooting placed it at slightly different times. The Spanish Fort Police Department said the incident happened at about 11:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3.
Chief Barber’s account described the shooting as happening at about midnight, Saturday night into early Sunday morning.
The two times are roughly 15 minutes apart, and both are described as approximate. Police have not released a more precise timeline of when the fight began inside the bowling alley, when it moved to the parking lot or when officers arrived.
What Is Not Yet Known
Several key questions remain unanswered in the information police have released so far:
- What started the fight between the two people inside the business
- The identities of either person involved; police have not publicly named the wounded man or the person who left the scene
- Whether charges will be filed, and against whom
Police have said they know the identity of the person who left before officers arrived, but they have not released that person’s name. No arrest had been reported. Anyone who is eventually charged in connection with the shooting is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
How to Share Information With Spanish Fort Police
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Spanish Fort Police Department.
People who were at Eastern Shore Lanes late Saturday, or who were in the area of the parking lot, may have seen or heard something useful to investigators even if it seemed minor at the time. Photos, video clips or details about what happened before the fight moved outside can all help police build an accurate timeline.
If you have information, it is best to share it directly with police rather than posting it on social media, where details can spread inaccurately and potentially complicate an investigation. In an emergency, always call 911.
Safety Tips: What to Do if a Fight or Shooting Breaks Out Nearby
Most nights out at a bowling alley, restaurant or entertainment venue end without incident. Still, public safety officials offer general guidance that can help people respond if a confrontation turns dangerous.
If a fight starts
- Create distance. Move away from the people involved instead of gathering to watch or record.
- Alert staff. Let employees or management know so they can call police and move other customers away from the area.
- Do not intervene physically unless you are trained to do so. Arguments can escalate quickly, and bystanders can be hurt.
- Know your exits. When you arrive at any venue, take note of the nearest exits, including those that are not the main entrance.
If you hear gunfire
- Get away if you can by moving away from the sound and toward a safe exit, leaving belongings behind.
- Take cover if you cannot leave, getting behind something solid such as a wall, a vehicle’s engine block or a heavy counter, and staying low.
- Call 911 when it is safe and give the dispatcher your location, what you heard or saw, and descriptions of anyone involved and any vehicles.
- Follow officers’ instructions when police arrive, keeping your hands visible and empty.
After an incident
- Stay out of areas marked with crime scene tape so evidence is not disturbed.
- If you witnessed any part of what happened, tell an officer at the scene or contact the department afterward.
- Witnessing violence can be upsetting. It is normal to feel shaken afterward, and talking with someone you trust can help.
About Spanish Fort and Eastern Shore Lanes
Spanish Fort is a Baldwin County city on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, along with neighboring Daphne and Fairhope. The area is known for its residential neighborhoods, shopping and family-friendly entertainment.
Eastern Shore Lanes sits on Eastern Shore Boulevard in Spanish Fort.
What Happens Next
The Spanish Fort Police Department’s investigation is ongoing. Police have not announced a timeline for releasing additional details, including the names of those involved or any charges.
