WASHINGTON ILLEGAL STREET CAR EVENT MASS SHOOTING! EMERGENCY VEHICLES BLOCKED BY THUGS

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KENT, Wash. - Kent police said five men were sent to the hospital after a shooting in the area of an illegal street racing event early Sunday morning.

According to authorities, a Renton Police officer was investigating a traffic accident, when he heard several gunshots nearby. The officer radioed dispatch and went to investigate near 180th and East Valley Rd in Kent.

Kent officers arrived and found several people with gunshot injuries. Medical crews were already on-scene giving treatment.

Kent Police Department confirmed five men were injured in the shooting. Officers said the men shot were from surrounding cities.

Renton Police say there was a gunshot call in that same area the night prior.

Not only is the mass shooting a public safety concern, the race and hundreds of spectators put first responders at risk. Renton Firefighters IAFF Local 864 tweeted Engine 314 was "caught in the crowd," putting firefighters' "safety on the line."

Renton Regional Fire Authority Chief Steve Heitman called the situation unprecedented. In a statement, the fire chief wrote, "In recent years, Renton [Regional Fire Authority] has made significant strides to better equip our first responders in dangerous situations. This includes the provision of active shooter training and ballistics vests. These measures make a difference in the safety of our firefighters, but the need for further progress is clear."

Kent Police is currently investigating the shooting. FOX 13 News is working to learn more about the incident.