Bluegrass Crime Stoppers asks the community for help in solving the shooting

LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Lexington police were called to a mass shooting on National Avenue here in Lexington on Friday that left five people injured and one dead. Police are asking for the public's help as they continue to investigate.

On Wednesday, Lexington Detective Kristyn Klingshirn told Bluegrass Crime Stoppers, “As you all know, right now, any information we get could be critical to detectives figuring out what happened.”

Bluegrass Crime Stoppers is asking business owners, witnesses and anyone with information about the National Avenue shooting to call Lexington Police or submit tips anonymously through Bluegrass Crime Stoppers.

Klingshirn said: “If it's something that you thought twice about and caught your attention for even a second, there's a reason for it. Trust your instincts, trust your gut and give us the information and let us… That's what detectives are paid for: to go out and find out whether or not that information is relevant to this incident.”

El Cid's Mexican Restaurant was on the corner of National Avenue for several years until it was forced out due to an eviction on Monday. On Thursday, the property's owners will hold a press conference to continue to address residents' concerns.

Last Friday, the owners released their surveillance video to LEX 18 showing a full house. They did not want to release it because the investigation is ongoing. They said it was turned over to police. While there is limited information at this time, police are asking anyone with additional video or photos from that night to come forward.

“I don't know if the investigators know how many suspects there are or not. We hope, of course, that with the help of the public we can get some of this information,” said Klingshirn.

Lexington police said they do not believe there is a threat to the public, but want to keep the public on alert at all times.

Klingshirn said: “We know what's happening here, we know our city is relatively safe, we see incidents like this happening. So the best thing I can say is just pay attention to what's going on around you, pay attention to where you are, what neighborhood you're in, what people you're around.”

Walker Properties said the businesses around National Avenue form a close-knit community. Police said continued cooperation from everyone is crucial.

“We want their businesses to thrive, we want the students, the tourists and everyone else to come to this area and not be afraid,” Klingshirn said.