At approximately 4:33 p.m. Friday, the 911 center in Saline County received multiple reports of gunshots in Crete, in the 1200 block of Crestline Dr.

Police and deputies responded and as they approached, they could hear gunfire. They found several victims inside a home on Crestline Dr. and found that the gunfire was coming from a house across the street.

Nebraska State Patrol spokesman Cody Thomas said there were seven gunshot victims. None of the shots were fatal. Six victims were taken to Crete Area Medical Center. Hours later, a seventh victim realized that he had been hit and was taken to the hospital.

As the victims were being removed from the scene, police, deputies and troopers surrounded the scene, and the NSP SWAT team was activated, Thomas said.

At approximately 6:40 p.m., the SWAT Team entered the home where the gunfire had originated, 1810 Parkland St., and found the occupant, Billy Booth, 74, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The SWAT team found a shotgun near the suspect.

Investigators found an additional firearm in the home, but believe the shotgun was the only weapon that was used. At this time, it is believed that all rounds fired by Booth came from inside his house.

Thomas said across the street at the time of the shooting, about 15 people were at the victims’ residence. Most were in the yard, but at least one victim inside the house was also hit.

There were four children injured, ranging from ages 3-10. Three adults were injured, ranging from ages 22 to 43. Out of respect for privacy, NSP is not releasing their names.

As of early Saturday afternoon, four patients had been treated and released from area hospitals. Three others remain hospitalized. Two of the victims are at Children’s Hospital in Omaha and one was at Bryan Health West Campus in Lincoln. All injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening.

The Nebraska State Patrol, Crete Police Department, and Saline County Sheriff would like to thank fire and rescue teams from Crete, Wilber, Dorchester, Pleasant Dale, and SW Rural for their quick response as well as Crete Area Medical Center, Bryan Health, and Children’s Hospital for their treatment of the victims.

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