By Greg Bassett

Wicomico County Sheriff’s deputies were searching Wednesday for multiple shooters in connection with a west Salisbury block party held overnight Tuesday in which a 14-year-old boy was killed and seven others were injured.

Wicomico deputies and Maryland State Police were called to the area of Chippewa Boulevard and Kiowa Avenue off Business Route 50 just after midnight Wednesday.

According to troopers, a huge crowd had gathered, which prompted a radio call for more officers. When people in the crowd began beating on the police vehicles, officers left the scene and gunfire erupted.

The Sheriff's Office, Salisbury Police Department and Delmar Police immediately responded.

About an hour after the initial incident, another shooting was reported, which the Sheriff's Office investigators believe to be connected.

The victim was identified as Xavier Cordei Maddox, 14, of Salisbury, who died from a gunshot wound to the head.

Three people were receiving treatment Wednesday at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury, while four had been discharged. Two victims were listed in critical condition; one was reported in stable condition.

Sheriff’s Office investigators said they are confident they know who the shooters’ identities and the incident was possibly gang-related.

While the shooters remained at large Wednesday, the Sheriff’s Office said they believe the public at large is safe.

The shooting victims were taken to the Salisbury medical center by EMS vehicles and in private cars.

A huge crowd gathered in the early-morning hours near the hospital’s Emergency Room entrance, which hindered police efforts.

"There were hundreds of people at the hospital," said Wicomico Sheriff Mike Lewis. "We then had to move our resources from the crime scene to the hospital, where Salisbury City Police officers had to deploy pepper spray because the crowd had gotten so large at TidalHealth this morning. It was mayhem."

At Wednesday evening’s Wicomico County Council meeting, Councilwoman Shanie Shields, who represents the area where the shootings occurred, said she was “horrified and saddened.”

It saddens me to see mass shootings have come to our community,” Shields said. “We’re losing a generation fast and furious to gun violence and drugs.”

The shootings occurred just outside the Salisbury city limits, but city Councilwoman April Jackson echoed Shields’ comments, while also saying she knew Maddox and his family.

“If we don’t recognize we have a problem here, we’re going to be in trouble,” Jackson said. “Something needs to be done. These are our children. Parents need to know where their children are. We need to send our kids to a place where they are chaperoned.”

Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano also released a statement:

“Tragedies like this, especially those that involve the death of a child are inexcusable,” she said. “I would like to personally thank the brave men and women at our Sheriff’s Office who not only worked the crime scene, but who are working diligently to apprehend the suspects.

Law enforcement officials said the case remains an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Division at 410-548-4890.